Applications for the 2025–2026 Cohort Are NOW OPEN!

Apply by June 30, 2025 | Free for Students Grades 9–12 in Miami-Dade & Broward

What is the Junior Ambassador Program?

Miami Waterkeeper’s Junior Ambassador Program is a free, year-long leadership experience for high school students in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who are ready to make a difference.

Each year, a select group of 50 students (grades 9–12) is chosen to become Junior Ambassadors—local leaders who care about clean water, healthy communities, and a more resilient future. Through this program, students gain real-world skills in science, communication, advocacy, and civic engagement while participating in hands-on service projects that directly impact South Florida’s environment.

• The program is offered at no cost to participating students.
• 20+ service hours earned qualify for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.

Whether you’re a student eager to take action or a parent or teacher looking to support youth development, this program offers a meaningful opportunity to grow, lead, and give back.

Why It Matters

South Florida’s environment is under pressure—from pollution to sea level rise. And while these issues are serious, young people like you are stepping up with creative, bold solutions.

The Junior Ambassador Program helps students turn passion into progress through a mix of science, civic action, and community service.

What You'll Do

1. Attend 4 interactive trainings on science, policy, and advocacy
2. Volunteer at 4+ service events, including cleanups and restoration projects
3. Complete a capstone project to educate and inspire your community
4. Earn community service hours that count toward Bright Futures
5. Access exclusive events with local experts and environmental leaders
6. Build your resume and strengthen your college or job applications
7. Join a team of peers who care about the environment—just like you

Who Should Apply?

• High school students (grades 9–12) in Miami-Dade or Broward County
• Students who care about clean water, wildlife, climate, or justice

No experience needed—just curiosity and commitment

Teachers and parents: This program builds leadership, communication, and civic engagement skills that benefit your student for life.

Why Apply for the Junior Ambassador Program?

As a Miami Waterkeeper Junior Ambassador, students develop personal and professional skills that will help them throughout high school, college, their career, and beyond. The program is specially designed to teach leadership, communication, civic engagement, and advocacy skills that cannot be learned in a classroom. As ambassadors, students:

Learn about local environmental issues Build their resume Develop leadership skills Improve their public speaking abilities Receive advocacy training

Earn community service hours Develop their network through partnerships Educate members of their community on important issues Gain access to exclusive Miami Waterkeeper events and activities

Advocacy Trainings

Advocacy trainings are mandatory workshops where ambassadors receive training on scientific issues, governmental frameworks, policy objectives, and communication skills. The workshops are held throughout South Florida and facilitated by Miami Waterkeeper leadership and staff, covering the following topics:

1. Pollution Identification & Reporting
2. Government Agencies & Environmental Advocacy 
3. Environmental Stakeholders & Citizen Science
4. Communicating Science & Public Speaking

Service Events

One of the founding pillars of Miami Waterkeeper is community engagement. As such, we expect our Junior Ambassadors to be engaged in the community. 

Junior Ambassadors will participate in meaningful, hands-on experiences like:

• Beach and shoreline cleanups
• Habitat restoration projects
• Community events that connect science with action

Program Timeline & Structure

The program runs during the academic year and includes:

• 4 mandatory advocacy trainings on science, civic leadership, and communication
• At least 4 hands-on service events, including cleanups and habitat restoration
• 1 capstone project, created and presented by the student
• Optional Leadership Board opportunities for program alumni to mentor and stay involved

Students are expected to participate fully and will be supported every step of the way.

Questions?

If you have further questions, please email our Education and Outreach Coordinator, Laura Del Mar Cruz, at [email protected] or visit our FAQ page.

This program is made possible by the generous support from:

                          

APPLY NOW!