The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful are inviting environmentally conscious 10th through 12th grade students to help preserve Pennsylvania’s natural resources through the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania.

The program empowers young Pennsylvanians to train and learn from leaders across the private sector, state government, local media and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to protect Pennsylvania’s environment and build leadership and problem-solving skills.

Applicants should be passionate about the environment and committed to restoring and protecting Pennsylvania’s ecological landscape through volunteerism and leadership.

“We are honored to offer the Young Ambassadors Program in partnership with PennDOT for a fifth year,” said Shannon Reiter, president of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “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.”

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful will provide education and training to program participants on topics related to the impact of litter on roadways, litter prevention, waste management and recycling, civic engagement and public policy, volunteer management and social media marketing. In addition, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has partnered with industry leaders, Columbia Gas — NiSource Charitable Foundation and Dow to provide Job Shadow Days to select Ambassadors.

Ambassadors will serve a one-year term from September 2026 through May 2027 and represent and uphold the mission and values of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

Program requirements include:

• Attending six mandatory virtual education sessions.

• Conducting a community assessment and creating a summary presentation.

• Organizing a community cleanup event through Pick Up Pennsylvania and conducting one community education event or activity.

Applications are being accepted through June 10. Students will be chosen through a competitive application process. Students interested in applying should visit keeppabeautiful.org