MT. VERNON — The University of Illinois Extension is hosting a training and certification program to help foster emergency preparedness, civic responsibility, and leadership in teens. The “My Preparedness Initiative” or “MY P.I.” is a 12-week, national program that started at Mississippi State to help young adults learn vital life skills in the event of an emergency.

Ramona Girtman is the Program Coordinator with the U of I offices in Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington Counties. She says the program is two-fold in its goals to help teens.

Girtman says the skills learned in this program go far beyond a singular emergency event a teen might encounter.

Contact the U of I Extension office at 618-242-0780 to register or find details at extension.illinois.edu/bcjmw.