National FEMA Youth Preparedness Council,

The FEMA Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) was created in 2012 to bring together youth leaders interested in supporting disaster preparedness and making a difference in their communities by completing disaster preparedness projects nationally and locally.

The council supports FEMA’s commitment to involve America’s youth in preparedness-related activities. It also provides young people an opportunity to present their perspectives, feedback, and opinions to FEMA staff.  Members regularly meet with staff and attend the annual Youth Preparedness Council virtual summit.

Anyone can apply to join the Youth Preparedness Council and the application period usually runs January through March each year.

Each applicant must be a current 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th-grade student who has either: (i) Participated in community activities; (ii) Served in a leadership role; (iii) Lived through a disaster and shared his or her experiences; and/or (iv) Participated in a preparedness activity or training related to emergency preparedness.

YPC members are expected to complete national-level preparedness projects; to voice their ideas and questions on disaster preparedness with the leadership of FEMA and national youth preparedness organizations; and to participate in the YPC Summit. Each new YPC year begins in July with the YPC Summit.

To find out more about how to apply, click here.