Las Positas College to Host First Alarm Girls+ Fire Camp, Empowering the Next Generation of Firefigh

Las Positas College is proud to host the First Alarm Girls+ Fire Camp on September 20–21, 2025, an innovative program designed to inspire and prepare youth for careers in the fire service.

Nationwide, women make up only 4.5% of career firefighters. The First Alarm Girls+ Fire Camp, which is staffed entirely by female and nonbinary firefighters, aims to change that by creating opportunities for high school students to gain hands-on experience with firefighting tools, techniques, and teamwork. From climbing ladders and handling hose lines to learning CPR and fire safety skills, participants gain firsthand knowledge of what it takes to succeed in the fire service.

Since its launch in 2018, the camp has been hosted across the Bay Area by agencies such as the San Francisco Fire Department, Oakland Fire Department, and Contra Costa County Fire Department. This fall marks the first time the camp will be held at Las Positas College, underscoring the college’s commitment to advancing equity, opportunity, and workforce diversity. LPC continues to develop pathways that open doors for historically underrepresented groups, especially in career fields where women and people of color remain significantly underrepresented. By hosting the camp, Las Positas strengthens its role as a bridge between education and workforce development, helping to prepare the next generation of diverse professionals who will serve California communities.

 “From my own experience, I know how powerful representation can be. When someone first asked me in my twenties if I’d ever considered becoming a firefighter, I remember raising my eyebrows and tilting my head like a confused puppy—it had never once crossed my mind! At that point, I honestly don’t recall ever seeing a female firefighter,” said Beverly Molina, a leader with NorCal Women in the Fire Service. “That’s why First Alarm Girls+ Fire Camp is so impactful. The camp creates a space where young girls+ can see themselves in the role of firefighter—learning the tools, skills, and teamwork of the job, all taught and led by female and nonbinary firefighters. As the saying goes, ‘If you can see it, you can be it.’ Representation truly matters, and this camp brings that to life in a memorable way.”

The two-day camp, organized by NorCal Women in the Fire Service in partnership with host agencies like Las Positas College, not only provides training but also fosters mentorship and community. By connecting participants directly with professionals in the field, the

program bridges the gap between youth development and career recruitment, helping build a stronger, more diverse fire service for the future.

For more information about the First Alarm Girls+ Fire Camp, visit https://norcalwfs.org.

About Las Positas College

Las Positas College currently enrolls nearly 8,500 day and evening students. The College offers a curriculum for students seeking career preparation, transfer to a four-year college or university, or personal enrichment. The College provides university transfer classes, retraining classes for those in need of employment or career advancement, a first-time educational opportunity for many adults, enrichment classes for those seeking a broader perspective, and career and technical training for those entering the technical and paraprofessional workforce. Las Positas College excels in helping students transfer to the University of California system, the California State University system, and other four-year institutions. Las Positas College is a learning-centered institution focused on excellence and student success and is fully committed to supporting all Tri-Valley residents in their quest for education and advancement.