FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2003
CONTACT: Roland Ruiz, St. Philip's College Director of Community and Public Affairs
210.531.4851
ST. PHILIP'S COLLEGE TO OFFER FIRST COURSES IN HOMELAND SECURITY BEGINNING NOV. 22
St. Philip's College will begin offering American Institute of Homeland Defense (AIHD) certified training programs in homeland security later this month. The college will offer two certificate programs -- Weapons of Mass Destruction, beginning Nov. 22 and continuing through June 5, 2004, and Understanding and Combating Terrorism, beginning Dec. 6 and continuing through June 12, 2004.
Each program requires the completion of a minimum of nine designated courses in order for a student to receive a certificate of completion. Classes meet every other Saturday on the college's main campus. More information is available by calling the St. Philip's College Continuing Education Department at 210/531-4770 or 4785 or online at www.americanihd.com.
The Weapons of Mass Destruction program is designed for first responders such as law, fire, EMT and other emergency professionals as well as government officials and military personnel. The program provides a comprehensive review of preparing for and responding to a weapons of mass destruction incident.
The Understanding and Combating Terrorism program is designed for the general public, but may be especially relevant to individuals with front line responsibilities such as members of law enforcement, first response teams and security service personnel. This program offers a comprehensive overview of terrorism, providing a good foundation on which to pursue other terrorism or homeland security curricula.
Through a collaborative agreement, St. Philip's College has been designated by AIHD as its Homeland Security Regional Center of Excellence for the San Antonio area, offering practical and dynamic instruction in various aspects of homeland security. All courses offered are certified and taught by expert veterans of national intelligence and military organizations such as the CIA, NSA and Special Forces.
St. Philip's College, one of the Alamo Community Colleges serving the greater Bexar County region, is a comprehensive community college designated as both a Historically Black College and a Hispanic Serving Institution. St. Philip's College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.