What is EcoAmbassadors?
EcoAmbassadors is a two-month, paid, summer internship program for high school students focused on environmental stewardship and leadership development.
Participants engage in hands-on learning experiences, training, and mentorship while exploring climate-forward solutions and community-based environmental action.
The program equips students with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills to become the next generation of environmental changemakers.
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Are you ready to gain knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a difference in your community?
Experience EcoAmbassadors
Environmental Stewardship
The goal of the EcoAmbassadors program is to teach participants about environmental challenges facing the world and discuss solutions and best practices to address them.
EcoAmbassadors will gain technical environmental knowledge on a range of topics such as:
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The importance of native plants and best practices to incorporate them into our landscapes.
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The role ecosystem services play in our daily lives and how conservation and restoration efforts can preserve them.
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Plastic and waste reduction.
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Climate change impacts and local mitigation and adaptation efforts
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Climate-related emergency preparedness.
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Communicating environmental issues, awareness, and advocacy.
Community Projects
EcoAmbassadors will work together in groups of 3-4 to plan and implement a project that will make a long-lasting impact in their local community.
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Community Partners: Participants will work together with local community members and organizations to develop a project that meets their needs
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Outreach and Marketing: EcoAmbassadors will engage the community and develop community outreach skills by marketing their event and recruiting volunteers.
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Budget Management: Participants will be provided a small budget to support their project and learn to manage it effectively and plan for project expenses.
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Metrics and Reporting: Documenting projects by taking photos and recording key metrics is vital to communicating the impact projects and programs have in a community. Participants will document their project and report back to the EcoAmbassadors cohort about their successes and lessons learned.
Professional Development
EcoAmbassadors will attend in-person, twice a week meetings throughout the summer. During this time, participants will participate in:
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Interactive trainings on topics such as sending professional emails and phone calls, delivering elevator pitches, creative marketing, and public speaking.
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Guest lectures given by professionals in the environmental field, with opportunities for networking and learning about future career opportunities.
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Connect with other EcoAmbassadors through teambuilding exercises, group assignments, and fun learning activities
What We're Looking For
Qualifications
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Age: Must be between the ages of 16 - 18 by the program start date.
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Residency: Must be a Maryland resident and have reliable transportation to one of two meeting locations: 9770 Patuxent Woods Dr, Columbia MD.
We receive a lot of interest in this program, and it can be competitive to join. Successful applicants will demonstrate the following qualifications:
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Leadership Skills: Demonstrate initiative and inspire others to do the same, exemplify strong character through consistent integrity and reliability.
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Planning and Organization: Displays attention to detail, preparedness, and time management.
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Team Collaboration: Work cooperatively with team members, contributing to a supportive and effective working environment.
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Communication: Demonstrate the ability to communicate with clarity in both verbal and written formats.
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Commitment to Sustainability: Exhibit a commitment to environmental stewardship and the principles of sustainability in both training and practice.
If you have any questions about these programs, please contact our Program Coordinator, Matt Hemler, at mhemler@howardecoworks.org
