What is the YPC?
FEMA's Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) offers youth grades 9-12 an opportunity to support FEMA's commitment to promote and sustain a prepared nation and provide their perspectives, feedback and opinions on strategies, initiatives, and projects.
Students will gain professional skills and build new relationships through connections with their local and state emergency management partners.
Students who apply may be accepted to serve on either the national council or Region 10 council, which consists of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
What do you do on the Region 10 Council?
Council terms are for 12 months, typically running from August to July. You will be supported by Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Community Preparedness Coordinator and connected with emergency management partners in your area. Most members spend 4-10 hours a month on council activities. You are required to:
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Create a project that increases preparedness education or initiatives in your community
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Attend and engage in monthly virtual meetings with fellow members and FEMA staff
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Complete assignments on time
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Present project to council and FEMA staff
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Meet with OEM staff
What happens if I'm selected?
Once selected for the Region 10 council, students will be invited to visit FEMA Region 10's office in Lynnwood, Washington where they will:
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Connect with youth from Alaska, Idaho and Washington
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Meet the Regional Administrator and other key FEMA personnel
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Visit the Federal Regional Center (FRC)
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Begin brainstorming preparedness project ideas
Note: Travel costs will be funded by FEMA for members living more than 50 miles from Lynnwood, WA.
In Oregon, students will:
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Visit the OEM office and tour the Emergency Coordination Center (ECC)
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Meet OEM Executive Leadership and staff
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Connect with local emergency management partners and other key partners to support your project
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Have the opportunity to share your project with emergency management partners across Oregon
Who Can Apply?
Students currently in grades 8-11 who are passionate about preparedness and committed to building more resilient communities. Participants are chosen based on their dedication to public service, community involvement and potential to increase levels of community resilience.
How Do I Apply?
Applications will open
Spring 2025. Be sure to complete all sections of the application, including:
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Parental or guardian consent
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A complete application for (including narrative responses to all questions)
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Letters of recommendation
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A list of extracurricular activities
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Any supplemental materials that showcase your abilities
Top applicants will be invited to interview in April. Selected members will be notified in May.
For questions regarding the YPC, contact the Community Preparedness Coordinator at
community.preparedness@oem.oregon.gov
Meet the 2024 Oregon YPC Members!
DYLAN - OREGON
Dylan is knowledgeable about fire disasters in his area and wanting to learn more about being involved in fire management. He strives to make sure his community can be confident in intense times by implementing safe strategies. He is excited to see what impacts he will make for his community in the future and use what he learns being a part of FEMA Region 10 YPC.
"The YPC will give me the knowledge and skills to be able to serve my community in dire times. I hope to work with the elementary kids to pass on these safe strategies so they can be confident when a situation arises".
LILY - OREGON
Lily is passionate about protecting the environment and those around her. As a City of Eugene Sustainability Commissioner and a Regional Leader intern with Our Future—a statewide, student-led Oregon climate justice network—she recognizes the intersection between climate change and disaster preparedness.
“Working at the intersection of climate change and resilience, I believe that we can build a future where people and the planet thrive together.”
NAOMI - OREGON
Naomi’s experiences with wildfires and ice storms have driven her passion for emergency preparedness. As an active leader in youth preparedness, the Red Cross Club, and Teen CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), she plays a key role in coordinating and participating in disaster relief and emergency preparedness efforts within her school and community.
"As an emergency preparedness ambassador for Region 10, I am eager to provide practical emergency preparedness skills, training, and certifications to students in my community"
SAMANTHA - CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF GRAND RONDE - OREGON
Samantha has interests in disaster preparedness, climate change, and emergency management focused on younger children. She hopes to become an educator for the “littles” which is why she is hoping to learn more about what she can do to keep both herself and younger children safe when a disaster strikes. She hopes the YPC can broaden her horizons and keep those she loves safe.
“I love traveling and want to be a teacher abroad someday, so it is important to learn about different types of emergency situations and how to handle them appropriately"
SREEPRADA - OREGON
Sreeprada is interested in emergency management since completing her Global Politics project about the effectiveness of local wildfire solutions and wanting to bring those solutions into her community. With the effects of climate change becoming more prominent over the last few years, it is especially important to spread the knowledge we have about emergency preparedness.
“I hope to bring local wildfire solutions into my community and add CERT classes in my school district. I believe emergency preparedness knowledge should be available to everyone, not just the individuals who are interested in it.”