Homeland Security

Program Description:
The Homeland Security program is a unique combination of rigorous academic study applied to real world safety and security challenges and opportunities. Student-directed academic inquiry is focused on issues related to terrorism, immigration, disaster resilience, globalization, emergency management and community safety. With an emphasis on learning directly from practicing homeland security professionals, students are able to more fully understand how to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters and public safety threats.

Additionally, students in the Program study and learn in the only high school Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in the country. The EOC is available to all Southwest Washington and Portland area community businesses and agencies who would like to partner with our students by training and exercising in this unique learning environment. Allowing students to observe or assist in real life emergency management training and exercises helps them connect what they are learning in class to the professional world of Homeland Security.

Mission:
The program exists to educate and train students in a standard way of professional thinking and being that emphasizes the exploration of inner values and goals that will lead to the satisfaction of preparing for, responding to and recovering from natural disasters and public safety threats.

Vision:
The program will become a community of practicing homeland security professionals who educate, mentor, and train high school students on the knowledge, skills and attitudes that can help shape the world to become more peaceful, resilient and secure.

Beliefs:
Each New Class Sets Its Own Collective Values for the Year

Our Emergency Operations Center Capabilities:

• A fully integrated wireless Click-Share multiple projection system
• Digital interactive whiteboard and document annotation
• Business-class video conferencing
• Distance learning and remote training
• Wi-Fi internet connectivity
• Touch-screen Chromebooks
• Dell Laptops
• Faxing, scanning, printing and copying
• Dedicated phone lines
• Six speaker audio system
• 40 feet of whiteboard space
• Room dividers for private Incident Command System (ICS) section work

Professional Ways of Thinking:

• Reasoning with credible evidence
• Making connections
• Uncovering the complexity of a situation
• Capturing the heart and forming conclusions
• Building explanations
• Describing what’s there
• Wondering
• Considering different points of view

Based off of the work of Harvard Project Zero, 2010.

Professional Ways of Being:

• Self-Directed
• Problem Solving
• Communicative
• Collaborative
• Employment Ready

Course Curriculum Includes:

• History of Homeland Security
• Introduction to Homeland Security
• Emergency Management Planning and Operations
• Disaster Response
• Public Health
• Incident Command Systems
• Cyber/Border/Transportation/Health Services
• Supply Chain Security
• Globalization
• Policy and Legal Dimensions of National Security
• Domestic and Foreign Policy
• Evolution of World Terrorism
• Ethical Leadership, Management and Decision Making
• Civics
• Professionalism and Leadership
• Career Planning

Program Benefits:

• Up to 14 college credits
• 3 high school credits
• Deep understanding of the homeland security enterprise
• Learn in an on-site Emergency Operations Center
• Academic focus on terrorism, immigration, emergency management, globalization, disaster resilience and community safety.
• Field trips and guest speakers
• State-of-the-art technology
• Preparation for post-secondary education and job training
• Leadership and community engagement opportunities​

Industry Certifications:

• Community Emergency Response Team
• Introduction to the Incident Command System
• Introduction to Exercises
• Fundamentals of Emergency Management
• National Incident Management System
• National Response Framework
• 21st Century Skills Certification

Prerequisites:

• Reading and writing proficiency – 10 grade level
• Excellent high school attendance record

Recommendations:

• Successful completion of writing HSPE

Note:
Upon acceptance into the program, student and parent/guardian must participate in the Orientation at the Cascadia Tech.

Organizations:

• Possible enrollment in a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

Career Opportunities - entry level:

• Community Health Worker
• Security Screener
• FEMA Reservist
• Transportation Security Officer
• FEMA Corp
• Emergency Management Fellowship
• FEMA Internship Programs
• Cyber Security Internship Programs
• DHS Internship Programs

Career Opportunities - with further education: 

• Intelligence Analyst
• Emergency Preparedness Specialist
• Explosives Expert
• Security Specialist
• Public Health Nurse
• Industrial Hygienist
• Cyberspace Protection
• Supply Chain Resilience
• Federal Bureau of Investigations
• Secret Service Agent
• Customs and Border Patrol Officer
• Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent
• Transportation Security Screener
• State/Local Law Enforcement
• Fire Service

Program Supply List / Student Costs:

• Uniform polo shirt approximate cost $22 are to be purchased through Designs of All Kinds, to order click here and click on Homeland Security polo shirt, either Men's or Women's style. Your teacher will distribute your polo shirt in class.
• CTSO membership fee (optional) $25
• USB drive 4G Approximately $10- 15
• Family medical insurance or student accident insurance is required.

Note: Student accident insurance is available through your sending high school.

If you have concerns regarding these expenses, please see Peggy Leifheit in our Business Office. There are funds available for qualifying students. Ms. Leifheit can be reached at 360-604-1050 ext. 2158 or at [email protected].
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