BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Several high school students throughout Kern County got the opportunity to see firsthand what hazmat crews deal with.

One of the ideas behind Youth Leadership Bakersfield is to give students experiences that will help them develop leadership skills and career choices.

On Wednesday, 32 students in the program went to the Department of Public Health, put on protective suits and saw up close and personal what hazmat crews deal with.

"They put us in a situation like it was a real hazardous chemical spill and I was a little bit scared at first, I'm not going to lie," said Avery Andrew, student.

Crews put on a scenario of what they actually do during a hazardous chemical spill, though it wasn't meant to scare students, but broaden their perspective.

"Part of what we do is actually protecting the public and these are the kids that were interested in protecting. We want to make them more aware of what we do and what goes on," said Brian Pitts, Kern County Environmental Health.

The drill gave the students a deeper respect for the men and woman who protect the public.

"Based on what I learned today, it seems really dangerous having to go in not really knowing what you are facing and having to run all these tests in a full body suit," said Jimmy Taylor, student.

They not only learned more about the role of hazmat crews play in emergency situations, but it also gave them insight about potential careers in that field.

"It's not only about developing leaders, but also encouraging students to stay in our community when they go to college and graduate. So they do understand is a vast amount of different professions that they can go into," said Heidi Carter-Escudero, Kern County Department of Human Services.

With a new perspective about public safety the students walked away with unforgettable experience.

"It just broadens your mind about Kern County and how much work goes into keeping you safe. I didn't know it was that hard, I thought it was like what you saw on TV," said Andrew.

The Youth Leadership Bakersfield is a program of the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce representing all schools in the Kern High School District.