Applications are now being accepted for the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program, an initiative hosted by PennDOT and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. The program is open to students in 10th through 12th grade who are passionate about the environment and volunteering. Applications are open from April 1 through June 10, 2026, for the 2026-2027 school year.
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The Young Ambassadors program aims to inspire and empower young Pennsylvanians to become leaders in environmental stewardship. Participants will engage in activities from September 2026 to May 2027, learning about litter prevention, waste management, and civic engagement. They will also have the opportunity to participate in job shadowing experiences with industry leaders like Columbia Gas and DOW.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll emphasized the importance of the program, stating, "Pennsylvania’s ecological beauty and sustainability come from hard work on the ground level." Participants will gain leadership and problem-solving skills while contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
Shannon Reiter, president of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, expressed excitement about the program's fifth year, saying, "Each student brings unique experiences and tremendous passion for creating meaningful change." The program includes mandatory virtual education sessions, community assessments, and cleanup events.
Interested students can apply online at Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful's website. For more information, contact Kylie McCutcheon at kmccutcheon@keeppabeautiful.org or 724-836-4121 ext. 114.