PennDOT, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Seek High School Applicants for Young Ambassadors Program

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the organization Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful are inviting environmentally minded high school students to apply for the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program, a leadership initiative aimed at promoting environmental stewardship across the state.

Applications are open from April 1 through June 10 for students in 10th through 12th grades who want to help protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources while building leadership and problem-solving skills.

The program connects students with leaders in the private sector, state government, local media and environmental organizations. Participants receive training focused on environmental issues and community engagement, while working on projects aimed at reducing litter and improving local ecosystems.

“Pennsylvania’s ecological beauty and sustainability come from hard work on the ground level,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said in a statement. “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.”

Shannon Reiter, president of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, said the organization is proud to offer the program for a fifth year in partnership with PennDOT.

“Each student brings unique experiences and tremendous passion for creating meaningful change in their communities and across the Commonwealth, and we look forward to welcoming a new group of inspiring young leaders,” Reiter said. She said the program aims to build community ownership and encourage students to work with local residents, businesses and organizations to identify environmental challenges and develop solutions.

Participants receive education and training on topics including litter prevention, waste management and recycling, civic engagement and public policy, volunteer management, and social media outreach. The organization has also partnered with Columbia Gas–NiSource Charitable Foundation and Dow to offer job shadow opportunities for selected ambassadors.

Students chosen for the program will serve a one-year term from September 2026 through May 2027. During that time, ambassadors must attend six virtual education sessions, conduct a community environmental assessment and presentation, organize a community cleanup through the Pick Up Pennsylvania program, and lead a community education activity.

Students will be selected through a competitive application process.

Applications and additional information are available at keeppabeautiful.org under the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program. Questions can be directed to Kylie McCutcheon at kmccutcheon@keeppabeautiful.org or 724-836-4121 ext. 114.