CHICAGO – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that youth leaders across the nation can now apply to become a part of the 2022 Youth Preparedness Council (YPC).
YPC members are students in grades 8 through 11 who are selected to support disaster preparedness and make a difference in their communities. The YPC is an opportunity for young leaders to engage with FEMA and provide their perspectives, feedback, and opinions related to preparedness, to grow their leadership skills, and to support the resilience of their communities.
YPC members are chosen based on their passion for preparedness and helping others, their involvement in their community, and their aptitude for working in a team and as a leader.
Students from Region 5 states who apply for the National Youth Preparedness Council will also be considered for a place on the Region 5 Youth Preparedness Council (Region 5 YPC). The Region 5 YPC is an additional service and leadership opportunity for high school students living in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
“Young people are the emergency managers of tomorrow and the key to creating a more resilient nation in the face of a changing climate and increasing disaster risks,” said Moises Dugan, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “Through the YPC, FEMA is committed to empowering youth with the resources to get involved in preparedness-related activities and help improve disaster readiness in their communities.”
The online application opened Monday, January 24, 2022, and students must complete their applications by March 6, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. PST to be considered.
Interested students can apply online at https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessCommunity/s/apply-to-ypc.
Individuals can learn more about the YPC application including application requirements, deadlines, and submission options by joining the FEMA National YPC Application Information Session on January 26, 2022, at 5 p.m. CT. Register for the free virtual session at this link. For more information about the YPC, visit www.ready.gov/kids/youth-preparedness-council or email FEMA-Prepare@fema.dhs.gov.