(Ready in Safety and Emergency Management)
Youth RISE is a dynamic workshop designed to equip teens and young adults, ages 10–24, with essential skills in emergency preparedness, leadership, and career readiness. Open to youth and young adults with disabilities and their peers, this program emphasizes the power of inclusion in building prepared, resilient communities.
We bring Youth RISE directly to schools — including high schools, middle schools, and homeschool groups — offering engaging, hands-on training in emergency management basics, personal preparedness, and the four phases of disaster response: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Participants also explore careers in emergency management, learn how to build emergency kits, and discover how technology like drones plays a role in disaster recovery.
Our hands-on programming brings these concepts to life through interactive, team-based activities that students won’t forget:
• Zombie Apocalypse Scenario – Students work together to prepare for a high-energy emergency simulation, sharpening problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills in a fun and engaging setting.
• Go Bag Challenge – Teams collaborate to decide what to pack in their mini backpacks if they had to evacuate quickly, followed by a guided discussion connecting their choices to real-world preparedness principles.
• LEGO Building Contest – Students compete to build structures that represent the phases of emergency management, turning abstract concepts into a hands-on, memorable experience.
• Additional Discussions & Activities – A range of supplemental modules reinforce key preparedness topics through group discussion and interactive exercises.
We understand that every school runs on its own schedule, so our training is built to flex around yours. Whether you need a full-day immersive experience, a series of 1-hour modules, or something in between, we can accommodate your class periods, bell schedule, or professional development days. Schools can bring in the complete Youth RISE program or select individual modules that best fit their students and curriculum.
Graduates of Youth RISE have the opportunity to earn certifications in First Aid and CPR/AED and take home practical items like personal first aid kits and go bags to support their preparedness journey. This program is free for all participants, helping to build strong, prepared, and resilient communities across Alaska.
The Get Ready Toolkit and the Youth RISE Emergency Planning Form are core components of Youth RISE, working together to guide participants through the process of building their own personal safety and emergency plan. The Get Ready Toolkit was developed by the State of Alaska and its partners with people with disabilities in mind, offering clear, accessible steps to prepare for emergencies such as power outages, natural disasters, and sheltering in place. The Youth RISE Emergency Planning Form helps participants put that planning into action in a structured, meaningful way. Together, these resources ensure every participant walks away feeling more confident, capable, and ready when the unexpected happens. Access both tools using the buttons below.
Ready to get started? Use the buttons above to submit a Participant Application, request Youth RISE programming for your school or group, or view our Calendar for upcoming training dates.
FAQ
Youth RISE is a 1–2-day on-demand preparedness and employment workshop designed for youth ages 10–24, including those with disabilities and allies who are passionate about inclusivity, preparedness, and community building. The program is brought directly to schools, homeschool groups, and community organizations, offering hands-on learning in emergency management, First Aid/CPR, disability rights, and leadership skills.
No, participants do not need to have a disability to join. Allies and classmates who are interested in supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting inclusivity are welcome to attend. However, the participation of individuals who self-identify as having a disability is highly encouraged and essential to the program’s mission. The workshops cannot take place without the involvement of individuals with disabilities. A signed permission slip is required for participants under the age of 18.
Youth RISE is free to bring to your school, and all students are welcome to participate at no cost. First Aid and CPR/AED certification is free for students with disabilities and available at a low cost for their peers, ensuring that as many students as possible can walk away with this valuable, potentially life-saving credential.
Students who complete the full Emergency Management Basics curriculum will receive a certificate of completion and a “go bag” backpack with starter supplies. Those who complete the CPR/AED and First Aid courses will receive certification in those areas as well as a First Aid kit and disposable CPR mask.
If you are a school or community organization and are interested in bringing the FIRE program to you, you can request info or schedule a workshop using the “Youth Programs Request” button located below the photo at the top of the screen. We will work with you to schedule a workshop for your youth.
For school-based workshops, accommodations are expected to be provided by the school as they normally would for each student. For community-based workshops, accommodations can be requested during the scheduling process. Requests must be made well in advance to ensure proper arrangements are in place.