BOTHELL, Wash.  –  FEMA is accepting applications for the Youth Preparedness Council (YPC), a program that brings teens together from across the nation who are interested and engaged in community preparedness.

Council members are selected based on their dedication to public service, their efforts in making a difference in their communities and their potential to expand their impact as national leaders for emergency preparedness. Students in grades eight through 11 are eligible to apply.

FEMA Administrator Dianne Criswell recognizes the important role that the YPC plays in shaping our future.

“The Youth Preparedness Council is a unique opportunity for teens across America to get a sense of what it’s like to be an emergency manager. It also lets us take a glimpse into the future of our profession —and let me say, the future is bright,” said Administrator Criswell. “These young leaders give me so much hope that we’ll be able to create a more prepared, resilient America that the next generation needs and deserves. I’m looking forward to watching this new Council come together and seeing what they’re able to accomplish.”

During their one-year term, council members collaborate with each other to develop projects that promote preparedness on a local, regional, and national scale. Members also engage with leaders within FEMA, the federal government, and national non-profit organizations.

Youth interested in applying to the council must submit a completed application form and provide two letters of recommendation. All applications and supporting materials must be submitted no later than March 4. New council members will be announced by June 2024.

Youth living in FEMA Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington) may be invited to join the FEMA Region 10 YPC, a similar council that focuses specifically on creating projects within these four states.

To access the application materials, read about the current council members, and for more information about the Youth Preparedness Council visit the Youth Preparedness Council page on FEMA.gov.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.