HARRISBURG, PA — In case you missed it, Pennsylvania high school students have until June 10 to apply for a statewide program that trains young leaders to take on environmental challenges in their communities.
What This Means for You
- High school students can gain leadership and environmental training
- Participants will organize cleanups and community projects
- Applications are open through June 10
The Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program, run by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, is open to students in grades 10 through 12. The program focuses on developing leadership skills while addressing environmental issues such as litter, waste management, and conservation.
Participants will receive training from professionals across government, private industry, and nonprofit organizations. Topics include litter prevention, recycling, civic engagement, and public policy.
Program Requirements and Timeline
Selected students will serve a one-year term from September 2026 through May 2027.
Participants are required to:
- Attend six mandatory virtual education sessions
- Conduct a community assessment and present findings
- Organize a community cleanup event through Pick Up Pennsylvania
- Lead at least one community education activity
Students are chosen through a competitive application process.
Hands-On Training and Career Exposure
Program organizers said students will also have opportunities to connect with industry partners.
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has partnered with Columbia Gas, the NiSource Charitable Foundation, and Dow to provide job shadowing experiences for selected participants.
The program is designed to give students practical experience in environmental stewardship while building problem-solving and leadership skills.
Focus on Community Impact
Officials said the program encourages students to take an active role in improving their local environments.
“Through litter clean-up and prevention, stream restoration, and empowering their friends and neighbors, the next generation of environmental leaders are setting the standard for the rest of us,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said.
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful President Shannon Reiter said the program aims to connect students with their communities and foster long-term engagement.
“Each student brings unique experiences and tremendous passion for creating meaningful change in their communities,” Reiter said.
How to Apply
Applications are open through June 10.
Students can apply and find more information at:
https://www.keeppabeautiful.org/programs/education/young-ambassadors-of-pennsylvania/
Additional information is available by contacting Kylie McCutcheon at 724-836-4121 x114 or kmccutcheon@keeppabeautiful.org.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong interest in environmental issues and a commitment to volunteerism and community leadership.
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