What is MyPI and MyPI Northern Mariana Islands?

Beginning in 2019, the Northern Marianas College will offer a three-time national award- winning youth preparedness, leadership and educational outreach program known as MyPI (My Preparedness Initiative) for teenagers across Northern Mariana Islands.  MyPI Northern Mariana Islands is a component of the National Youth Preparedness Initiative (MyPI National), a partnership of 27 states and 2 US territories, delivering an innovative and engaging curriculum for teenagers across Nebraska, Hawaii, New Jersey, Washington, Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, Arkansas, South Dakota, Nevada, Montana, Colorado, Arizona, Oregon, Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Alaska, New Mexico, Louisiana, Delaware, Florida, California, the US Virgin Islands, and Guam.  The Phase 1 pilot, Phase 2 expansion, and Phase 3 expansion of MyPI National is funded by the National Institute for Food and Agriculture.

MyPI National replicates the model created and delivered in Mississippi since 2013.  In 2014, the Mississippi Youth Preparedness Initiative was named FEMA’s national award winner for Outstanding Youth Preparedness program. It also received an Honorable Mention recognition for “Preparing the Whole Community.” In 2015, MyPI Mississippi was named one of the first entities to be named an official Affirmer of the new National Strategy for Youth Preparedness Education. As such, MyPI is an engaged and recognized component of a nationally supported, progressive approach to preparing youth for emergencies and disasters.  In 2017, MyPI National was awarded FEMA’s Individual and Community Preparedness national award for Outstanding Achievement in Youth Preparedness.  Finally, in 2018, MyPI National was awarded the National CERT Conference award for “Preparing the Whole Community”.  MyPI National is also recognized as an Affirmer of the national strategy.

For teens in all partnering states/territories, MyPI offers a flexible and engaging, 5 to 10 week, three component program.  In Component A, teenagers will complete the United States Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency-certified CERT training and corresponding modules focusing on Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety and Utility Control, Disaster Medical Operations, Light Search and Rescue, CERT Organization, Disaster Psychology, and Terrorism and CERT as well as all Hazard-related Annexes.  In Component B, the Add-On Catalog features certification in CPR and AED usage, along with a technology track comprised of awareness programs focusing on HAM Radio, NOAA Weather Radio, Smoke Alarm Maintenance, and Smart Phone Apps and Social Media in Emergency Preparedness.  The Add-On Catalog also includes a School Safety component, a Disaster Simulation, an Extreme Weather program, and a Career Track that focuses on public safety, fire service, and emergency management careers.  The final element of the program, Component C, includes a comprehensive family and community service project entitled "Prep + 6" in which each participant helps develop emergency supply kits and emergency communication plans for their household AND 6 additional households. This component allows for significant enhancement in individual, family, and community preparedness and resilience.  To graduate from the program, students must complete all components.

MyPI Mississippi is currently being taught in formal school settings through Allied Health classes, Law and Public Safety classes, and as part of Vo-Tech programs. It is also taught outside of school settings for organized youth programs, community agencies, etc.

For additional information regarding MyPI Northern Mariana Islands including the areas of the state that the program will be delivered in the first year offerings, please explore the different features of this website or contact Tayna C. Belyeu-Camacho, Program Leader, Northern Marianas College and MyPI Northern Mariana Islands Program Coordinator at Tayna C. Belyeu-Camacho or (670) 237-6841.