Fort Bend County Launches First-Ever MyPI Teen CERT Training to Equip Youth with Life-Saving Emergency Preparedness Skills
Fort Bend County is breaking new ground this summer with its first-ever MyPI (My Preparedness Initiative) Teen CERT Training, a hands-on emergency preparedness program aimed at empowering youth with real-world skills to respond to crises and save lives. Scheduled for July 14–18, 2025, at the Fort Bend County Emergency Operations Center in Richmond, this initiative marks one of the first of its kind in Texas.
The program is open to youth ages 13 to 18 and will run daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Though it is free to attend, participants have the option to pay for CPR and First Aid certification cards. Space is extremely limited—only the first 10 students who register will be accepted.
What Is Teen CERT and Why It Matters
Organized by Fort Bend County Extension and Fort Bend 4-H, the Teen CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training is designed to immerse students in emergency response, disaster preparedness, and community service through a nationally recognized framework. Students will receive hands-on instruction in CPR, first aid, fire suppression, search and rescue, and disaster psychology—all while working directly with emergency response professionals.
“We’re giving young people the skills to act in a crisis—not just for their own safety, but for their families, schools, and communities,” said Dr. Willa Williams, one of the program’s coordinators. “This kind of training fosters confidence, leadership, and even potential career pathways.”
The Impact of Youth Preparedness Programs
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), youth preparedness programs like Teen CERT are critical in building resilient communities. Studies show that 86% of teens who participate in CERT training report feeling more confident in their ability to respond during an emergency, and over 60% go on to take part in other community service or public safety initiatives. The training is not just about readiness—it’s about responsibility and relevance.
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Teen CERT is part of a broader national push to engage youth in preparedness efforts. The MyPI Texas program is an extension of the National MyPI model, funded by FEMA and coordinated through land-grant universities. It has been praised for promoting public safety, increasing civic engagement, and creating a pipeline for future emergency managers, first responders, and healthcare professionals.
Launched in 2016 with support from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), MyPI began in eight states and quickly expanded nationwide. Modeled after the award-winning MyPI Mississippi program, MyPI National now operates in over 30 states and U.S. territories, empowering teens to take leadership in emergency preparedness. With national recognition from FEMA and other agencies, MyPI sets a new standard for youth readiness and community resilience.
Real-World Skills with Lasting Value
“This is one of the few programs that gives teens real tools they can use immediately, whether that’s performing CPR, helping in a neighborhood disaster, or just being a calm presence when something goes wrong,” Williams said. “They leave with more than knowledge—they leave with purpose.”
Teens who complete the program will not only earn valuable community service hours but will also complete a family emergency plan, contribute to neighborhood preparedness, and gain insight into careers in emergency management, public health, and law enforcement.
How to Register
Parents and students interested in this unique summer opportunity can apply online at mypitexas.org. Questions can be directed to Dr. Willa Williams at willa.williams@ag.tamu.edu.
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As extreme weather events and public safety challenges become increasingly frequent across Texas, programs like Teen CERT offer a timely and tangible solution for equipping the next generation with the skills and mindset to respond—not just react.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for more updates on youth programs and public safety initiatives across Fort Bend County.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
