The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle, New York, and the New Rochelle Fire Department graduated 14 participants from the inaugural Firefighter Career Pathway Program on May 11 at the Mascaro Clubhouse, preparing young adults for next steps toward careers in public service and emergency response.
The 12-week program enrolled 20 participants and provided career readiness workshops, mentorship and hands-on training with the New Rochelle Fire Department to help prepare them for opportunities in public service, including the 2027 firefighter examination cycle. Participants who met the program’s 75% attendance requirement received Certificates of Completion and a $400 stipend.
“This program gave young adults direct exposure to career opportunities they may not otherwise have access to while helping them build the professional and personal skills needed for long-term success,” said Becky Mazzanobile, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. “We’re grateful for the Mariano Foundation Career Development Program, which supports the club’s workforce development initiatives and creates meaningful pathways into public safety, emergency services and other career opportunities for local youth.”
The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle’s Workforce Development Programs, offered in partnership with the Mariano Rivera Foundation, provide teens and young adults with hands-on training, mentorship and career readiness support designed to prepare participants for today’s workforce. Through programs focused on fields, including public safety, EMS/EMT, culinary arts and digital printing, participants gain industry exposure while developing professional skills such as leadership, communication and financial literacy to support long-term career and educational success.
Held from Feb. 23 through May 11, the firefighter program provided workforce readiness training focused on financial literacy, resume writing, mock interviews, leadership development and workplace communication. Participants also received hands-on instruction from the New Rochelle Fire Department, including mock physical agility testing, civil service exam preparation, CPR and EMS training, and demonstrations involving fire apparatus and emergency response equipment.
“This class exceeded expectations, and I hope to see many of these graduates enter the upcoming Fire Academy,” said Fire Commissioner Andrew Sandor.
Capt. Frank Gagliardo, head of the New Rochelle Fire Department Training Division, said participants showed significant growth throughout the program.
“From the very beginning, they were engaged and asked thoughtful questions,” Gagliardo said. “Each week they built on what they learned previously and it was impressive to watch that growth continue throughout the program.”
Capt. Anthony Cruciata Jr. said participants developed stronger teamwork and confidence as the cohort progressed.
“At the start, many participants were reserved,” Cruciata said. “By the end of the program, they were connecting with each other and the mentors and building a real team mentality.”
“This program gave me a true look into the fire department and their day-to-day operations,” said participant Raheim Clarke. “One of the biggest lessons I learned was teamwork. In this field, you really need each other.”
“What stood out most to me was how supportive and welcoming the firefighters were throughout the program,” said participant Mayza Lins Santos de Oliveira. “The experience strengthened my interest in public service and showed me the importance of teamwork, discipline and helping others.”
The New Rochelle Fire Department’s next firefighter examination cycle is scheduled for 2027. Participants are encouraged to continue building relationships with department mentors for career guidance and support throughout the application process.
The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle is recruiting adults ages 18 to 24 for Police, Firefighter and EMS/EMT Career Pathway Programs scheduled to begin in June. All programs include mentorship, workforce readiness training, leadership development and a $400 stipend for participants who meet attendance requirements.
For 95 years, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has been an integral part of the community, offering quality, achievement-driven programming encompassing academics, mental wellness, fitness, leadership and civics. Today, it is one of Westchester County’s largest nonprofits and a leader in youth development, serving over 12,000 youths annually at 12 school sites and two clubhouses.
Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle’s impactful before-school, after-school, elective and summer offerings empower members to excel in school, become good citizens and lead healthy, productive lives while effectively bridging the gap between school and home. Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle is proud to be affiliated with Boys & Girls Club of America, widely considered as both the leading youth organization and among the top nonprofits in the United States
