A greater number of teens from the Columbia area were able to get a behind-the-scenes look at their fire service and learn lifelong skills over the course of this summer.
Thanks to the incredible support of the Columbia Urban League, CRFD was able to offer two sessions of its Youth Empowerment Academy in 2025. The first session of the program was held in June and concluded with ten area teens completing the program. A second session then followed in July where nine teens took part.
“When we started this summer program with the Urban League several years ago our aim was to give the kids a program that was valuable in many ways,’’ said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “We wanted them to walk away with a greater understanding of how their area fire service operates and hopefully inspire some of them to consider careers in this profession long term. However we also wanted them to leave with strategies they can use to promote themselves and achieve success in any career they decide to pursue.’’
“I was highly impressed with how our agencies were able to grow the academy this year and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow in the years ahead,’’ Chief Jenkins added.
Teens that take part in the youth empowerment academy each summer are chosen by the Urban League. Each session of the academy lasts two weeks and its programs are organized by CRFD staff.
Both sessions of this summer’s camps included days that were focused on career-building skills such as mock interviews and resume writing. The teens also spent time learning life-saving skills that they can put to use serving their communities. This includes training in CPR as well as applying a tourniquet.
In what was also a first for the academy, both sessions this summer included trips outside of the Columbia area. Teens in the June session of the program traveled to Myrtle Beach to represent the department during the 2025 SC Fire Rescue Conference. The second group went to Charleston in July to visit the Charleston Fire Department as well as the Charleston 9 Memorial.
Session 1 of the 2025 Youth Empowerment Academy at SC Fire Rescue
Our department wants to congratulate the following teens that completed this summer’s CRFD Youth Empowerment Academy.
Session 1
Iyana Bolton Karissa Cosby
Mycah Jeter Deniria Lorick
Marcus Lorick Samaria Lyles
Antwan Mitchell Jaiden Pearce
Mary Shuler Seth White
Session 2
Janaya Boyles Ezra Bright
Isabella Gamble Lalya Hopkins
Laniya Hopkins Jahmari Jones
Tyson McBride D’Angelo Stradford
Melanie Walker
Our department would also like to give a resounding thank you to all of our community sponsors for the academy this summer. The individuals and groups below provided lunches to the teens during their camp sessions.
With heartfelt appreciation, we thank:
🔥 Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins
🔥 Assistant Chief Mickey Folsom
🔥 Assistant Chief George Adams
🔥 Assistant Chief Christopher Kip
🔥 Assistant Chief Anthony Holloway
🔥 Captain James Bostic
🔥 Captain Christopher Lindsey
🔥 Battalion Chief Thomas Niles
🔥 Ms. Tonya Robinson
🔥 Bishop James Bostic, Sr & First Lady Johnnie Mae Bostic – Triumph Church of Jesus
🔥 Surchero’s Fresh Mex – Forest Acres
🔥 Sergeant Kiree Loyd – U.S. Army, Fort Jackson
🔥 Brian & Camille Gray – Railroad BBQ
🔥 Anella Nail Studio – Shandon Area
Your generosity fed not only our students’ bodies but also their dreams and determination.
Thank you for investing in the future of our youth!
