Students from Prairie Phoenix Academy (PPA) in Sun Prairie recently experienced one of their most exciting field trips yet — a behind-the-scenes visit to the 911 Communications Center in Madison, WI. The trip, part of the school’s Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program, gave students a firsthand look at the fast-paced and impactful world of emergency communications.
As soon as they walked through the doors, students were in awe. “This looks just like the TV shows!” one exclaimed, as the group took in the rows of monitors, dispatchers at work, and the hum of constant communication.
The Deputy Director led the tour, offering an engaging and informative inside look at how 911 calls are received and handled, from the moment someone dials for help to the rapid coordination with police, fire, and medical teams. Students even had the rare opportunity to watch dispatchers in action, responding to real emergencies as they unfolded.
One of the most exciting moments came when students learned about a job shadowing opportunity, where they can sit beside a live dispatcher, wear a headset, and observe real-time calls. Several students immediately expressed interest, inspired by what they saw and eager to learn more.
The visit also opened eyes to new career possibilities. The Deputy Director explained that 911 dispatchers start at $32 per hour, and the position doesn’t require a college degree, just strong multitasking skills and specialized on-the-job training. While the work can be demanding and schedules may vary, the reward is clear: every day, dispatchers play a vital role in saving lives and supporting their community.
He also shared his enthusiasm for hosting school groups like JAG, saying he loves helping young people explore careers in emergency communications and understand the critical role dispatchers play behind the scenes.
For PPA students, the experience was both eye-opening and inspiring, a powerful reminder that career paths can take many forms, and that meaningful, well-paying opportunities are within reach for those ready to listen, learn, and take action.
The Jobs for America’s Graduates program has a lot of job shadow opportunities for high school students. It provides great support for students and inspires them to look beyond to life after graduation. See if this program is right for your student by visiting our program page.
