ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – FEMA is looking for students in grades 8 to 11 in the U.S. Virgin Islands who are passionate about disaster preparedness and making a positive impact for their community’s resilience to join the Youth Preparedness Council.
FEMA created the Youth Preparedness Council in 2012 to bring together young leaders from across the country who are interested in disaster preparedness and community service. The council demonstrates 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.
“Young leaders are needed to deliver messages of empowerment and creativity with emergency management in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Mark A. Walters, Coordinator for FEMA’s U.S. Virgin Islands Caribbean Area Office. “Fresh perspectives from young voices will strengthen the territory’s culture of resilience as we continue to focus on creative solutions to prepare and respond to hurricanes and other hazards in the Virgin Islands.”
During their one-year term, council members meet with FEMA staff throughout their term to develop strategies, initiatives, and project proposals. Council members will also participate in a summit held in Washington, D.C., in July with FEMA leaders and other preparedness professionals to network and learn more about the emergency management field.
The online application closes March 6, 2023, 11:59 p.m. PT. New council members will be announced in June.
To learn more about the council and application requirements, visit ready.gov/kids/youth-preparedness-council and visit https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessCommunity/s/apply-to-ypc?language=en_US to apply. FEMA will also host a webinar for potential applicants on Feb. 28, 2023.