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.
A Mississippi State University Extension Service youth initiative and its coordinator earned national honors this month for efforts to prepare communities for disasters.
September is National Preparedness Month, but the award recognizes efforts that took place from the beginning of 2013 until May 30, 2014. The Federal Emergency Management Agency received more than 230 applications for Individual and Community Preparedness Awards.
Michael Newman, director of the MSU School of Human Sciences, said the FEMA award affirms efforts by the MSU Extension Service to prepare young people for disasters. Ryan Akers, an assistant Extension professor and coordinator of Mississippi Youth Preparedness Initiative, or MyPI, received the award for Outstanding Achievement in Youth Preparedness at a ceremony this month in Washington, D.C.
âWe hired Dr. Akers to increase our efforts in disaster preparedness and recovery issues, especially among Mississippi youth,â Newman said. âMyPI is a direct result of his efforts to expand existing programs and make youth and their families more prepared for disasters. It also offers insight into careers most youth have not considered.â
Of those recognized by FEMA, Akers was among eight winners who were named âChampions of Changeâ and given an opportunity to speak at the White House and FEMA headquarters about their program areas.
Akersâs focus areas are community preparedness and disaster management. He worked with the Mississippi Citizen Corps to create the Mississippi Youth Preparedness Initiative.
The MSU Extension Service and Mississippi Citizen Corps are promoting the program in communities across the state. The current Teen Community Emergency Response Team curriculum, approved by FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, is the foundation for the program. Additionally, MyPI includes CPR/Automated External Defibrillator certification, a technology track and a career track.
For more information, contact Akers at cakers@humansci.msstate.edu or visit the MyPI website at mypi.msstate.edu.
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