Big things are happening in the Phoenix-Talent School District that are geared to help students prepare for future careers.

While many students graduate from Phoenix High and go off to a four-year college, many more choose to attend a local or regional community college and work toward a two-year associate degree or certification in a trade or specialty field.

Such is case with the new emergency medical services program at PHS, a joint effort between the school district, Rogue Community College and Mercy Flights. It begins in the fall and offers high school students college credits to give them a head start in EMS careers.

We published the story online last weekend, and it appeared in our Wednesday print edition. Facebook users who saw our post on the program gave it a big thumbs-up, commenting that it was an excellent idea. We agree, especially since a two-year degree or certification allows young adults to move into the workforce quickly by landing steady, often well-paying jobs.

The program is a smart move by the school district and its partners.

Careers in EMS can include emergency medical responders and technicians, paramedics, or adjacent roles such as firefighters or law enforcement — as well as learning basic procedures and skills that could save someone’s life.

Not all students are geared toward the four-year college experience, and this is a great example of local educators and businesses working together to ensure that students have another option after high school.

We look forward to following up on this story when the new school year starts.

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— Troy Heie, editor