Vision Zero Youth Ambassador Program Seeking Montgomery County High School Students for Program to Improve Traffic Safety – MocoFeed

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is seeking up to 35 County high school students to serve as “Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors.” The project-based learning program teaches teens leadership skills, outreach and engagement techniques to address traffic safety needs in their community. Applications are being accepted through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2.

Interested public, private and home-schooled high school students can learn about the program and apply online .

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The County’s Vision Zero Initiative aims to eliminate traffic-related severe injuries and deaths. Youth Ambassadors have an opportunity to help the County achieve this goal by becoming road safety leaders in their communities.

“Our teens have a very powerful role in influencing change, especially when teaming up with their local government to influence safety infrastructure and programming,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Their efforts will have a real impact on the County’s Vision Zero goal of zero deaths.”

Applicants will be notified by Wednesday, Dec.18, if they have been accepted into the program. Selected ambassadors are required to attend in-person sessions. Program orientation will be held via Zoom from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11. After the orientation session, ambassadors will participate in five in-person sessions on through May. Sessions will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays on the following dates:

• Session 1: Saturday, Feb. 8.

• Session 2: Saturday, March 15.

• Session 3: Saturday, April 5.

• Session 4: Saturday, April 26.

• Session 5: Saturday, May 10.

All sessions will be held at the Montgomery County Executive Office Building located at 101 Monroe Street in Rockville.

Youth Ambassadors are tasked with completing a safety-related group project that will ultimately culminate in a Safety Day event to educate Montgomery County residents about staying safe while walking, biking and driving. Resources and project guidance are provided by the County.

There is no cost to participate, and students can earn up to 35 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. Additional SSL hours can be earned for participating in scheduled County outreach efforts promoting pedestrian and driver safety throughout the program’s duration.

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“Teens acquire real world experience assessing how our infrastructure contributes to safety outcomes and how behaviors have a direct impact on a community,” said County Department of Transportation Director Chris Conklin. “These projects have tangible outcomes that directly impact the safety and well-being of our County residents.”

The youth ambassadors will complete the program in mid-May 2025, after Safety Day. At a graduation ceremony, the students will reflect on their learnings and hear from special guests.

Learn more about the County’s Vision Zero effort .

For more information on MCDOT programs and services, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot , follow @MCDOTNow on X, Facebook  and Instagram  and subscribe  to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.