Environmental Student Ambassador (ESA) Program
EESI is seeking EMS undergraduate students interested in enhancing environmental
stewardship and outreach in the University community and beyond to become
Environmental Student Ambassadors.
Funds are available to support the activities of an ESA by applying with a faculty sponsor
in your EMS department. ESAs will be selected on the basis of a proposed project that
improve the health and sustainability of the environment for the local community, for
EMS, or for the University. The projects could, but are not required to, be executed in
collaboration with university units (e.g. Physical Plant, the Arboretum at Penn State),
student clubs (e.g. Ecoaction), community groups (e.g. ClearWater Conservancy,
Millbrook Marsh), or an environmental group (e.g. Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club).
Projects could focus on, for example, developing new educational or outreach materials
for the public, improving the carbon footprint, recycling, energy audits, or removing
invasive species in conservation areas.
Environmental Student Ambassadors will receive financial and staff support for their
activity for a semester but longer projects will be considered.
Student ambassadors will need a faculty sponsor who is willing to serve as a mentor
during the implementation of the project. The ESA could become part of a students’
curriculum by registering for independent study credits in consultation with their faculty
mentor. ESAs are also expected to share project results with the EESI community at an
informal lunch.
EESI has allocated $2,500 annually to support the activities of the ESA program. Salary
support will not be provided for the ESA. Acknowledgment of the ESA in any
presentations or educational/outreach materials developed for distribution is expected.
Applications to become an Environmental Student Ambassador should include:
• A two page statement describing the proposed project and how it will enhance
environmental stewardship and outreach in the University Community
• A schedule of activities and project deliverables
• A budget that identifies how funds will be spent
• A letter of support from a faculty sponsor
• Letters of support from any collaborating partners
Applications will be accepted at anytime during a semester for projects in the following
semester(s). Please submit your application to: Alan Taylor, Associate Director, Earth
and Environmental Systems Institute (aht1@psu.edu).