Scholarship Current Students Applicant review page
In 2025, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful will award two $1,000 merit based scholarships: one to a current YA student and one to an alum. Reviwers, please review the scoring rubric then select an applicant by clicking on the ID number on the left below. Read the application then enter a score for the three short essay questions. An optional box for comments is at the end. Thank you for your help!
For any questions or problems with the form, please contact Rob Dubas at rdubas@keeppabeautiful.org for questions on the scholarship or Young Ambassador Program, please contact Kylie McCutcheon at kmccutcheon@keeppabeautiful.org.
Click to view the scoring rubric.Being in the Environmental Ambassadors has been an empowering experience in regards to my understanding of stewardship civics. Since my early childhood, I’ve always felt powerless over the lack of protection of our environment. I am sure that many others do as well, and with that, many do not pay mind to our individual mandate as humans to do our part to protect it. I have been learning more about the intricacies of the relationship between our economy and the environment. Between the cost the environment bears from our incessant drive for material convenience.
This Program, within Keep PA Beautiful, has shifted my understanding, and transformed my sense of incapability. This is because I have had the opportunity to be connected to students and leaders all throughout PA who have the same passions and concerns as I do.
Before, I had never had a realistic understanding of the communities that come together to make a difference. I learned how important these communities really are, and why growing them is so important. To put it into perspective: Some may see a penny on the ground and think “it’s just one cent, it’s not worth keeping.” However, pennies, like trash, add up to huge amounts. If everyone collectively picked up spare pennies, then thousands of dollars worth of pennies would be gained. In the same way that if everyone took initiative to clean up litter, then the amount of litter adds up vastly.
In the context of civics, we all have the responsibility to connect with institutions and individuals alike to manage our resources and materials wisely. Being an Ambassador has connected me with leaders who encourage me to promote conservation, and spread awareness.
Especially among this younger generation, environmental protection should be seen from a positive lens, not one of fear or hesitation. I’ve grown my confidence in advocating for the environment, and forming connections and partnerships to foster such. All of which being essential pillars to understanding stewardship and civics.
1: Education Event
For my education event, I presented to a classroom of 3rd grade students.
I presented about what pollution is, and how it happens on such a large scale.
Then I presented about the importance of the environment, and why taking action matters.
Finally, I gave positive strategies and advice regarding methods to save our environment, on an individual level.
I concluded with two games: one where the students had to guess how long certain materials take to decompose, and another about tragedy of the commons, which I came up with myself.
I was pleasantly surprised with how engaged and curious the students were. I was able to speak on these topics fluently with my knowledge from my AP Environmental Science course at my school. Overall, a great experience.
2: Hosting an invasive species removal project
For my "clean up" event, I reached out to my local Nature Center, Buttonwood. They were delighted to partner with me, giving me a solid location to host my event. Their property has issues with many invasive species typically affecting areas in PA.
Barberry, wineberry, garlic mustard, chickweed, hairy bittercress, hen bit dead nettle were among the species we removed. I was nervous for this pursuit because I didn't think I would receive the support that I did.
I had a total of 21 volunteers, 4 hours of work, over 10 bags of emergent species, and 2 wheelbarrows of rusting metals found throughout the property. It was a joyous accomplishment, and we all had a good time.
We were able to educate the volunteers on the invasive species as well. By explaining how invasive species rapid growth prevents biodiversity among native plants.
3: Community Assessment
I am a junior council member of my local government. I was able to utilize my spot in such position to get information on the health of our local environment.
I was able to call to attention our lack of participation in recycling, litter prevention, and education on conservation. By identifying stakeholders, and achievements in my community, I developed an action plan. Encouraging participation with Pick Up PA, gardening, and collaboration with Michaux State Forest. Part of protecting our community, is caring about our neighboring forests.
1: I've developed a solid drive for my future. Before I wasn't certain on what I would like to study, now I know that I want to study environmental science, public health, and law.
2: I have gained confidence in my capabilities. I've learned that anyone can make a difference. I wasn't sure I would be able to accomplish what I did. And I've come so far these past few months. I was able to do so because of my networking and support that I gained along the way. It all began with drive and courage.
3: I learned the importance of advocacy. I found my voice through forming relationships, creating a community, and most importantly learning opportunities. Advocating for the future, for community engagement, and for hosting passion within this generation. For our environment, stewardship, and new outlooks on the future dynamic of how we interact with materials and nature alike.
