The Young Meteorologist Program for a Weather Ready Nation

The Young Meteorologist Program(YMP) is a free, interactive online game engaging students to follow the 21st-century National Weather Service (NWS) Owl, OwlieSkywarn, on an adventure where they encounter hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, floods, winter storms. Along the way, players learn about severe weather science, safety, and preparedness. Embedded into the game are test questions and activities which students must answer successfully in order to proceed. Upon successful completion of the game, the student will earn the coveted Young Meteorologist certificate. The YMP also seeks to boost science, math, reading skills, and student achievement. Resources for teachers, students and parents to educate the student are available online. YMP engages students in the weather sciences and encourages them to continue learning by charting advancements through clear, measurable goals. The Young Meteorologist Program provides opportunities for students to put their newly acquired knowledge to work through launching community service projects, build a weather station, promote NOAA WeatherRadio and help support the NWS Weather Ready Nation activity. Scholarships are offered, on a competitive basis, to college students. YMP will reach 55 million students in 2012 through direct and partner-based outreach activities.