STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

T R A N S I T I O N G R O U P / F O C U S : M

Overview

A student ambassador program is a student leadership program where students represent a school as an ambassador demonstrating leadership, good judgment, maturity, honesty, and integrity. The students within this program mentor other students, model leadership skills to classmates, and foster a positive school culture.

Timeframe

Throughout the school year

Outcomes

• Offers students an opportunity to demonstrate interpersonal 21st century skills in communication, collaboration, leadership, and flexibility • Inspires students to develop as leaders • Ensures incoming families and students feel welcome in the school setting by fostering relationships with current students • Provides a layer of authenticity to support a student-centered school focus • Builds a positive school culture

Implementation

1. Allow 6-12 months to develop a plan for this program. 2. Bring together the school’s transition team or leadership team, selected members from the staff, and current eighth grade ambassador students (other grade levels may be included), to be a part of the advisory group that implements this program. 3. The advisory group should determine and outline details in the following areas: a. Dates and times of meetings b. Application process and rubric for selection of student ambassadors c. Expectations for the program d. Roles, expectations, and duties of selected student ambassadors e. Training details for student ambassadors f. Expected calendar of events 4. Using the school’s communication plan, communicate with all stakeholders about the overall purpose of this program, the application process, and the expected calendar of events. 5. Collect applications at the end of the school year. It is recommended that the application window remain open for at least two weeks. 6. Plan an orientation event to train and build relationships among current and new Student

Ambassadors. 7. Identify activities throughout the school year that Student Ambassadors may lead or facilitate.

Considerations and Tips for Success

• Consider the number of students per grade level that you would like to serve as Student

Ambassadors. • Publicize the categories for selection criteria such as academic, behavior, attendance, teacher and community recommendations, student questionnaire, etc. Be sure to identify metrics that are not numerical in nature (e.g., school spirit, outstanding volunteerism, etc.).

• Identify activities at the beginning of the school year that student ambassadors could be involved in. • The selection process should be objective and transparent. • Celebrate ambassadors for their leadership throughout the year and design time for team building, community networking, and leadership mentoring. • Encourage selected ambassadors to have a voice in the program. This includes talking to peers and serving as a voice for all students.

Considerations for Students from Select Populations (e.g., English learners, students with disabilities, transfer students, etc.)

• Ensure all students are afforded an opportunity to engage, lead, and perform in the Student

Ambassador program. • Ensure the program is representative of the student body. • Make all materials accessible.

Considerations for Counselors

• Consider being highly visible in or even leading the Student Ambassador program. • Provide mentor training for Student Ambassadors to help students transition successfully or receive help with academics throughout the year. • Consider how Student Ambassadors might lead and/or assist with activities and events aimed at bullying prevention, cultural awareness, community service, peer mediation, PBIS, tutoring, and staff appreciation.

Resources

• Gulf Shores High School Student Ambassador Application (sample) https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1581438181/gulfshoresalgov/gcup8dtjndxiswh2wt3k/GS

HSAmbassadorApplication1.pdf • Hillcrest High School Ambassador Application (sample) https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/hillcrest/Upload/Uploads/2016HHSAmbassadorPacket.pdf • Davis Drive Middle School Student Ambassador Program https://slidetodoc.com/student-ambassador-program-davis-drive-middle-school-wake/ • Lewis F. Cole Middle School Student Ambassadors https://flms.flboe.com/curriculum/clubs___organizations/student_ambassadors