Young Ambassador Program Accepting Applications
In partnership with PA Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is inviting students who will be in grades 10-12 for the 2024-2025 school year to apply for the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program.
The program builds community stewards and civic leaders by empowering young Pennsylvanians to become ambassadors in their community for a shared vision of a clean and beautiful Pennsylvania. Ambassadors will train and network with industry leaders, state agencies, local media and the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful network to prepare them to be difference-makers in their communities by building their leadership and problem-solving skills. Applications are being accepted April 1 through June 10. For more information and an online application, click here.
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To complete their responsibilities as a Young Ambassador, students must host a cleanup event at their school or in their local community and attend mandatory education webinars. Below are some highlights of the 2023-2024 Ambassador events and education sessions held so far.
Cleanup Events:
Ct Dixon, a junior from Lycoming County, cleared Japanese knotweed and other invasives such as Autumn Olive and Privet from around the pond at Muncy Heritage Park. Cy coordinated the event with Rider Park Management, Muncy Historical Society and Lycoming County Audubon Society to remove two truckloads of plant debris.
Sophia Pietropaolo, a sophomore from Allegheny County, worked closely with Rangers from Boyce Park to remove and chip 175-200 bush honeysuckles. Native plant seeds were spread in the area.
Amelia DePaul, a sophomore from Lancaster County coordinated a cleanup at Long’s Park. Amelia chose this location to keep the litter and plastic from reaching the water step filtration system and polluting the water and watershed. Volunteers collected eight bags of trash.
Education Sessions:
Policy and Practice led by Michael Hartman, Chief of Staff for PA Senator Carolyn Comitta, and Natasha Fackler, Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator at PennDOT.
Invasive Species led by Maggie Hoover, student at Penn State studying Wildlife and Fisheries Science.
Importance of Native Plants led by Tim Byan, Whetzel Land Steward, Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania.
Leave No Trace and Networking led by Kylie McCutcheon, KPB Affiliate Coordinator. Networking included Young Ambassadors from Texas, Virginia, South Carolina and Florida. |
