Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. and UCAN hosted a graduation ceremony on Chicago’s West Side on August 7, celebrating four local residents who successfully completed an EMT training program through the organizations’ partnership and are beginning careers in emergency medical services.
This is the second EMT class hosted at UCAN. The graduation reflects the impact of a strong partnership between Superior Ambulance and UCAN, creating pathways to meaningful careers while helping meet the region’s growing need for emergency medical professionals.
The program removed barriers to success by providing transportation assistance, meals, uniforms, and other support through UCAN, allowing participants to focus on completing their training.
Pictured is UCAN CEO Christa Hamilton speaking to the graduates.
“At UCAN, we believe lasting change happens when people have access to opportunity, support, and meaningful careers, said Christa Hamilton, CEO of UCAN.“One of our greatest responsibilities is helping individuals see possibilities they may not have imagined for themselves—and then walking alongside them as those possibilities become reality. We’re proud to partner with Superior Ambulance to remove barriers, develop local talent, and create career pathways that strengthen individuals, families, and our communities.”
Upon earning state licensure, graduates are guaranteed employment with Superior Ambulance.
Kim Godden, Vice President of Superior Ambulance, emphasized that programs like this are critical to Superior Ambulance and the communities they serve.
“These graduates have earned more than a certification—they have earned the opportunity to build meaningful careers serving their own communities,” said Godden. “This program shows what’s possible when organizations come together to invest in people. We are proud to partner with UCAN to expand access to EMS careers while strengthening the future of emergency medical services on Chicago’s West Side.”
Superior Ambulance has a proud tradition of hiring from the communities it serves, a commitment that began with its first training center in Homan Square in the 1990s. By hosting this latest EMT class at UCAN in Homan Square, Superior Ambulance continues to invest in local talent, strengthening its workforce while advancing community development and empowerment.
The graduation was attended by area leaders, including Illinois State Representative La Shawn Ford (D-8). Illinois State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-5) also recognized the occasion, providing a statement celebrating the graduates and their accomplishments.
“These graduates are entering one of the most important professions in public service,” said Rep. Ford. “Every community deserves access to highly trained, culturally responsive emergency medical professionals who understand the people they serve. Superior Ambulance and UCAN have made a deliberate investment in building a stronger, more diverse EMS workforce, one that reflects our communities and improves trust, communication, and patient outcomes. I congratulate each graduate on this remarkable achievement and commend Superior Ambulance and UCAN for their leadership in expanding opportunity and strengthening emergency medical services in Illinois.”
“When we invest in people, we invest in the future of our communities,” said Sen. Collins. “I am proud to celebrate these graduates and the partnership between Superior Ambulance and UCAN, which is creating life-changing career opportunities while preparing the next generation of emergency medical professionals to serve Chicago’s West Side.”
One of the four graduates accepts his diploma.
