Young Texan Ambassadors
We invite Texans ages 15-25 to help us keep Texas beautiful. Ambassadors are passionate about the environment and are committed to creating the best place to live, work and play through volunteerism and leadership.
The Young Texan Ambassador (YTA) program supports the next generation of community and environmental leaders.
The program serves youth ages 15-25 for a 9-month service learning and environmental education program. Each ambassador completes a cleanup and a capstone service project in their community.
Participants value connecting with other like-minded young people who share their passion for the environment. The program has been particularly successful in attracting young adults from diverse backgrounds.
The program has been replicated in at least four other states using our program design as a model, and we have hosted virtual meetups for the Young Texas Ambassadors to meet with their counterparts from other states.
photo credit Claudia Amato, 2023
The 2024-25 Young Texan Ambassador Cohort Applications Open May 1, 2024.
Requirements
- Commit to one year of service as an Ambassador
- Read & Sign the Handbook
- Attend the virtual orientation session
- Attend all required virtual educational workshops.
- Complete one community project and showcase that project by the end of the program year
- Organize and participate in 1 cleanup event per year. Submit a wrap-up report for your event
- Share pictures of your event(s) and efforts on your social media and tag KTB
Benefits
- Opportunities to engage with and learn from young Texans across the state
- Education about solid waste issues affecting the state and how you can help make a difference
- Gain connections with local environmental community leaders
- Opportunities for leadership and development
- Resume booster and community service hour fulfillment
- Dedicated support from the KTB team
- Resources and tools to help you lead your own cleanup efforts
- Cleanup supplies including: trash bags, gloves, hand sanitizer, masks, KTB bandana, KTB and DMWT swag
Geographic Groups
Geographic Group
- You will be placed in a group with other ambassadors based on your geographic area, you can work with this group to participate in program requirements together to build community.
18-25 Group
- If you are in the 18-25 age range you will be paired with a group of your peers, as being in a college or career age range may reflect how you plan your projects and cleanups.
Affiliate Pairing
- You will be introduced to the closest Keep Texas Beautiful Affiliate Coordinator to help guide you in planning your cleanup, and providing feedback for your community projects. This is a great way to start building relationships and networking within your community!
Leadership Council
Seven ambassadors will have an opportunity to join the Leadership Council. The Council will be convened to hold its own meetings and help to advise and lead the YTA program. They will also have the opportunity to write blogs and create social media posts.
Within the Leadership Council, there are four (4) available officer roles:
- Co-Chairs (2)
- Historian
- Marketing and Social Media Manager
FAQ
Who can be a Young Texan Ambassador?
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- Any individual living in Texas ages 15-25 years old can apply to be a Young Texan Ambassador. KTB is committed to ensuring equitable representation among program participants. Throughout our work, we support what makes our communities unique, including race, ethnicity, culture, socio-economic background, gender, sexual orientation, age, and physical ability. We commit to aligning our culture and operations to be a beacon of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Do I have to live in Texas to serve as an ambassador?
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- Yes, we require that all ambassadors be Texas residents for the entire duration of the program year. Questions regarding this? Contact ambassadors@ktb.org
Are Ambassadors required to use social media?
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- Yes, Ambassadors must use at least one (1) social media account in order to promote Keep Texas Beautiful.
Are Ambassadors required to participate in in-person events?
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- Attend or organize at least one (1) organized cleanup in your area and assist with the planning/organization of a cleanup with a local affiliate (if your area has an affiliate). Ambassadors can choose to participate in this event with only family members or in groups of 10 or less.
When and where will YTA meetings and workshops be held?
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- All required meetings with KTB staff and other ambassadors will be conducted virtually for everyone across the state. Workshops and meetings will be after school hours.
Is any previous experience required?
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- We accept applicants of all levels of experience and knowledge on environmental issues, leadership skills, and any relevant experience.
How do I apply?
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- Applications for the 2024-2025 cohort will open May 1, 2024.
What happens after I apply?
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- After your application has been submitted, a KTB staff member will reach out to schedule a 20-30-minute virtual or phone interview. Past YTA members who completed all of their requirements last year will not be required to interview again.
I still have questions.
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- Please contact us.
Meet the 2023-2024 Young Texan Ambassadors
Abigail So
Abhiram Reddy
Alisha Senghani
Aishwaryaa Udeshi
Anika Novak
Archana Annampedu
Ariel Piper Devitt
Carla Wu
Shreya Halbe
Carson Wood
Chigo Ndu
Christian Cockrell
Claudia Amato
Daniel Thomas
Emma Holland
Ishika Kothari
Jennifer Cox
June Kim
Kate Chavez
Katia Martinez
Kylee Adkinson
Lenci Wells
Lily Springborn
Lisa Martinez
Marcel Ramos
Marleigh Alvarado
Matthew Jewel
Nevaeh McFarlane
Nicole Imola Devitt
Ocean Landreneau
Priya Patel
Ria Jain
Saanvi Mylavarapu
Saathvik Rao
Samiha Rashid
Samyutha Talagadadeevi
Sierra Vargas
Sowmya Velayutham
Sreegeetika Surapareddy
Sydney Brown
Vera Logose
Victoria Anette Garcia
Viviana Vertiz
Zacarias Molina
Zixi Chen
Esteban A. Sanchez
Angel Akujor
Resources
Contact Us.
Interested in learning more about the Young Texan Ambassadors program? Fill out the contact form below. We’ll be in touch!