What is MyPI and MyPI Hawaii?

Beginning in 2017, the University of Hawai'i Manoa Extension will offer an award winning youth preparedness and educational outreach program known as MyPI (My Preparedness Initiative) Hawaii. MyPI Hawaii is a component of the National Youth Preparedness Initiative, a partnership of eight states delivering an innovative and engaging curriculum for teenagers across Nebraska, Hawaii, New Jersey, Washington, Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia, and Mississippi.

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 in the eight states, 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 Hawaii 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 Nancy Ooki, 4-H Youth Development Programs, UH Manoa Extension and MyPI Hawaii Program Coordinator at ooki@hawaii.edu or 808-244-3242, Ext. 225.

News & Events

Aloha Tim

April 22, 2019 by Nancy Ooki

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that one of our original MyPI Hawaii instructors, Timothy Schwentor, passed away on April 20, 2019. Tim had signed up for the training without knowing much about the program because he believed in the importance of sharing knowledge with youth to prepare them for life. He partcipated in the 3-day training with enthusiasm and his dedication had him teach his own cohort in Lahaina. Tim showed up week after week to provide interested youth with the skills and information they needed to prepare themselves, their families, and the community. Tim... Continue Reading »

University of Hawaii Manoa Extension joins innovative national youth preparedness partnership

April 13, 2017 by Bobby Goff

MyPI HI instructors practice fire suppression This week in Kahului, the initial delegation of instructors within the Hawaii Youth Preparedness Initiative, MyPI Hawaii, completed a comprehensive certification and training workshop led by the MyPI National Coordination Team, and became the second state to train instructors under the national project umbrella. According to Nancy Ooki, 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent for the University of Hawaii at Manoa Cooperative Extension Service and MyPI Hawaii State Program Coordinator, “As a youth educator, my initial attraction to... Continue Reading »

Hurricane preparedness lessens stress when a disaster strikes

June 5, 2015 by Ryan Akers

Emergency supply kits include water, food and medical supplies. Preparing kits ahead of time is beneficial in case of a hurricane or other disaster. (Photo by iStock) By Brittany Jacks MSU Ag Communications STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Boxes of supplies can provide important lifelines when storms and other disasters threaten to uproot a household. It has been 10 years since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina occurred, but the disaster still affects the lives of many individuals today. Christian Stephenson, an agent with the Mississippi State University Extension Service in Hancock... Continue Reading »

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MyPI Testimonials

The PREP + 6 Service project really stands out to me as a great chance to give back to my community by assisting my family and my neighbors in building emergency supply kits and family communication plans. To know that I did my part to enhance the preparedness and safety of my family and neighbors really means a lot to me.
— Robert K.
Without all the training I've obtained from Teen CERT, I wouldn't be able to help others in the way that I can now.
— Rebecca S.
Teen CERT is unique. I've never heard of or seen a program like it that specializes in helping teens learn how to respond to a disaster.
— Tyler C.
Some adults don’t seem to have a lot of confidence that teens like ourselves can accomplish much and assist in emergency and disaster events. This isn’t too advanced for us. It’s not rocket science. Let us help. MyPI gives us guidance in preparedness and basic response skills while we wait for first responders to arrive. Thankfully, there are those out there that listen to us and want to get us involved. MyPI is a gift. Get involved in it if you have the opportunity.”
— Jonathan B.
Teens can be very dependable and they want to be engaged in our community. MyPI not only gives them an additional wealth of information that they can use indefinitely, but it is also the perfect tool to educate numerous families across the state.
— Jan W.
The service project and the focus on technology as well as the career track were great additions to already great Teen CERT curriculum. It’s such a great program and you leave with so many tangible skills and physical resources. I’m so thankful to have participated and have recommended others in my community.
— Keisha T.
I feel like I have learned more in this program than in any other when discussing emergency preparedness. The instructors have all been so helpful and really want us to make an impact in our preparedness efforts and those of our families.
— De’Andre S.
Teens in my community should apply in order for them to be properly trained on how to prepare and to safety respond in an emergency to help their family, friends, and neighbors. I believe that MyPI will help teens build self-esteem and leadership qualities, a love for their communities, and possible career choices for their futures.
— Brenda C.
Just take a look at all of the extreme weather events that have ripped through our towns and negatively impacted lives for many years to come. MyPI at least allows a stronger knowledge based and a more organized approach to preparing for, well, the inevitable, really.
— Jason S.
Joining Teen CERT has given me the confidence to know that I can now respond to an emergency quickly and appropriately.
— Austin A.
Teens involved with the MyPI program have the opportunity to make positive impacts in the lives of their families, friends, and neighbors. It is a chance to develop their skills and use their talents to improve the community.
— Aaron S.
Serving as a MyPI Instructor gives me the opportunity to work with an energetic group of students who are an often overlooked resource when it comes to disaster preparedness/response
— Aaron S.
Participating in MyPI will be a great experience for everyone. The teamwork, communication, and leadership opportunities that exist will benefit you in the long run. It’s actually a fun program and you learn a great bit of material that will protect your family and community.
— Sara C.

CPR Training

Disaster Preparedness

Fire Safety

MyPI Hawaii Instructors and National Coordination Team

Students

Parents

Volunteer Instructors

Community Leaders