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.

News & Events

MSU youth initiative, coordinator earn awards

October 19, 2014 by Ryan Akers

Ryan Akers, an assistant Extension professor in the Mississippi State University School of Human Sciences, left, receives Champions of Change recognition from Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator Craig Fugate at recent ceremonies in Washington, D.C. Additionally, the Mississippi Youth Preparedness Initiative, which is coordinated by Akers, won the national FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Award for Most Outstanding Youth Preparedness program. (Submitted photo) By Linda Breazeale MSU Ag Communications MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A Mississippi State University... Continue Reading »

Extension recruits teens for disaster readiness

May 1, 2014 by Ryan Akers

Lowndes County Extension agent Sharon Patrick (left) provides safety support for Oktibbeha County Extension agent Julie White during training for the Mississippi Youth Preparedness Initiative at Mississippi State University. Monticello Mayor Dave Nichols, a Citizens Corps trainer, is supervising the hands-on lesson on Aug. 4, 2012. (File photo by MSU Ag Communications/Linda Breazeale) By Brittnie Burton MSU Ag Communications MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Learning opportunities for teens do not end when school lets out for the summer in communities across Mississippi. The Mississippi... Continue Reading »

Program prepares teens for emergency response

August 9, 2012 by Ryan Akers

Lowndes County 4-H agent Sharon Patrick (left) provides safety support for Oktibbeha County Extension director Julie White during training for the Mississippi Youth Preparedness Initiative on Aug. 4, 2012, at Mississippi State University. Monticello Mayor Dave Nichols, the only Citizens Corps trainer qualified to certify trainers in Mississippi, supervises the hands-on lesson. (Photo by MSU Ag Communications/Linda Breazeale) By Linda Breazeale MSU Ag Communications MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi teens can soon be trained in disaster preparedness in their communities, something... Continue Reading »

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MyPI Testimonials

Teens in my community should apply in order for them to be properly trained on how to prepare and to safety respond in an emergency to help their family, friends, and neighbors. I believe that MyPI will help teens build self-esteem and leadership qualities, a love for their communities, and possible career choices for their futures.
— Brenda C.
The service project and the focus on technology as well as the career track were great additions to already great Teen CERT curriculum. It’s such a great program and you leave with so many tangible skills and physical resources. I’m so thankful to have participated and have recommended others in my community.
— Keisha T.
The PREP + 6 Service project really stands out to me as a great chance to give back to my community by assisting my family and my neighbors in building emergency supply kits and family communication plans. To know that I did my part to enhance the preparedness and safety of my family and neighbors really means a lot to me.
— Robert K.
I feel like I have learned more in this program than in any other when discussing emergency preparedness. The instructors have all been so helpful and really want us to make an impact in our preparedness efforts and those of our families.
— De’Andre S.
Without all the training I've obtained from Teen CERT, I wouldn't be able to help others in the way that I can now.
— Rebecca S.
Serving as a MyPI Instructor gives me the opportunity to work with an energetic group of students who are an often overlooked resource when it comes to disaster preparedness/response
— Aaron S.
Teen CERT is unique. I've never heard of or seen a program like it that specializes in helping teens learn how to respond to a disaster.
— Tyler C.
Joining Teen CERT has given me the confidence to know that I can now respond to an emergency quickly and appropriately.
— Austin A.
Teens involved with the MyPI program have the opportunity to make positive impacts in the lives of their families, friends, and neighbors. It is a chance to develop their skills and use their talents to improve the community.
— Aaron S.
Teens can be very dependable and they want to be engaged in our community. MyPI not only gives them an additional wealth of information that they can use indefinitely, but it is also the perfect tool to educate numerous families across the state.
— Jan W.
Just take a look at all of the extreme weather events that have ripped through our towns and negatively impacted lives for many years to come. MyPI at least allows a stronger knowledge based and a more organized approach to preparing for, well, the inevitable, really.
— Jason S.
Participating in MyPI will be a great experience for everyone. The teamwork, communication, and leadership opportunities that exist will benefit you in the long run. It’s actually a fun program and you learn a great bit of material that will protect your family and community.
— Sara C.
Some adults don’t seem to have a lot of confidence that teens like ourselves can accomplish much and assist in emergency and disaster events. This isn’t too advanced for us. It’s not rocket science. Let us help. MyPI gives us guidance in preparedness and basic response skills while we wait for first responders to arrive. Thankfully, there are those out there that listen to us and want to get us involved. MyPI is a gift. Get involved in it if you have the opportunity.”
— Jonathan B.

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MyPI Northern Mariana Islands Instructors

Students

Parents

Volunteer Instructors

Community Leaders