Student Ambassadors for Virginia's Environment (SAVE) is an exciting new program for high school juniors and seniors. The limited pilot began in January 2024 and concluded in June, with 21 Ambassadors participating. Ambassadors represented every major region of the state, including small "clusters" in Hampton Roads, Southwest Virginia, and Northern Virginia. The group was also ethnically diverse, with 57% of Ambassadors identifying as either Asian, Black or African-American, Pacific Islander, or Other.
Just over 70% either completed or substantially completed the program requirements, which consisted of litter clean ups, community education projects, monthly meetings, and promotion of their activities.
Combined, they conducted 20 litter cleanups and collected 135 bags of litter and 19 bags of recyclables. Community education projects included recycling, beautification, and even presentations to professional groups and civic leaders. They engaged hundreds of friends, peers, family members, and community residents in their activities.
An anonymous program evaluation indicated that the pilot program was well received. 80% indicated that they were "very satisfied" with the program while the remaining 20% said they were "satisfied". Likewise, an overwhelming majority reported that meetings, trainings, and resources provided were very beneficial and that the program was very organized. Over 80% also said that they would "always" recommend the program to others, while the remainder said "sometimes".
Ambassadors reported many rewarding aspects of the program, including quotes like: "Being able to make a difference in my community"; "Being able to work with my peers"; "Networking with other people"; "It has been amazing to be provided with the knowledge and resources to better my community"; and "Feeling and seeing the difference that I can make."
The first full year SAVE program will kick off in September for the 2024-25 school year. 68 applications were received from teens all across the Commonwealth interested in participating in the program. Several Ambassadors who successfully completed the pilot program will also serve on a Steering Committee to help plan the next year's program and to serve as mentors and participate again.
We are so excited to expand and grow this program! |
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