Five Molina High School students have become the first Dallas Independent School District students to become fully certified security guards licensed by the state Department of Public Safety.
This is an addition to the school's Law Enforcement Pathways class.
In class, Jonathan Wright learned how to properly scan and investigate potentially dangerous scenes. At 18 years old, he already has a level 2 security guard qualification. Over the weekend, he got his first paid job at a private security company.
“It's very exciting and fun and very different from other jobs I've had,” Wright said.
He said his classes at Molina High School prepared him.
“I was by far the youngest security guard there,” he said. “But I feel like this class prepared me well for the field because I know as much as they do.”
The Law Enforcement Pathways program has been in place at Molina High School for about seven years. But last year, students were given the opportunity to become certified security guards, ready for immediate employment. Earl Felton will lead the course.
“They can work at events, concerts, basketball games, football games, etc.,” Felton said. “Most people who hire Level II security officers are interested in hiring her 18-year-olds who have just gotten their certification and can work for them.”
As a Level II Private Security Officer, students who pass the exam do not have a license to carry a firearm and must be at least 18 years old to qualify.
Felton, who comes from a law enforcement background, said the ultimate goal is exposure to opportunity.
“We have students who graduate and actually go to college in law enforcement schools, and we have students who go on to earn degrees in criminal justice,” he said.
Wright said she eventually wants to become a nurse. He said it's good to have more options as he looks ahead to high school.
“This job gave me experience in other fields and opened doors for me if nursing didn't work out,” Wright said. “You can pursue a career in law enforcement.”
Felton told NBC 5 that at least one more student is preparing to apply for his first paid security job in the coming weeks.
