What is MyPI?
Beginning in 2017, Mississippi State University Extension has offered a three-time national award winning youth preparedness/youth leadership educational outreach program known as MyPI (My Preparedness Initiative) Mississippi. MyPI Mississippi is a component of MyPI National, a partnership of 27 states and 2 territories delivering an innovative and engaging curriculum for teenagers across the nation.
The National initiative, known as MyPI National, is replicating the model created and delivered in Mississippi. 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. The MyPI National is also recognized as an Affirmer of the national strategy.
For students, MyPI offers a flexible 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 Teen 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. 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 App and Social Media in Emergency Preparedness. The Add-On Catalog also includes a Disaster simulation, 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 family AND 6 additional families or 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 Mississippi 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 Dr. Ryan Akers at cakers@humansci.msstate.edu or (662) 325-5914.