Montgomery County is calling on its high school students to step up as champions of road safety through the "Vision Zero Youth Ambassador Program." The county's program offers teens a chance to develop leadership skills and learn methods for community outreach, all in the interest of promoting traffic safety. According to a recent press release, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is aiming to recruit between 20 and 30 students for this opportunity, and applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on December 5.
For teens interested in making a mark on their communities, the program provides a platform to collaborate with local government, as Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich mentioned, “Our youth have a great opportunity to partner with local government and play an important role in driving positive change in their community—it is a great experience to have a hand in shaping safety programs and infrastructure.” Aspiring Youth Ambassadors from public, private, or homeschooling backgrounds can learn about program details and submit their online applications via the county's website. With a prime focus on eliminating significant traffic-related injuries and fatalities, the participants will have a direct role in bolstering the county's Vision Zero Initiative.
Once selected for the program, students are mandated to be present at five in-person sessions, kicking off with an orientation scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on January 10. Elrich expressed that he was eager for local youth to play an essential role in driving positive change. Notification of acceptance will be relayed by December 19, with the subsequent sessions planned out over the first half of 2026, culminating in a Safety Day event aimed at educating residents on various aspects of traffic safety.
Tasks assigned to the Youth Ambassadors will involve a group safety project, the results of which will be showcased during Safety Day, fostering awareness among Montgomery County residents about safer practices while walking, biking, and driving. As stated by Chris Conkin, MCDOT Director, “Through this work, teens gain firsthand insight into how our transportation infrastructure influences safety and how individual choices affect the broader community.” These projects are intended not just for educational purposes, but also to bring about tangible improvements that enhance residents' quality of life across the county, according to the same press release.
The program offers a bonus incentive for the students: the ability to earn up to 39 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours at no cost. Additional SSL hours are up for grabs to those participating in the county's structured outreach efforts centered on pedestrian and driver safety that span the program’s duration. The youth ambassadors can look forward to their program completion and a graduation ceremony in mid-May 2026, where they will have the opportunity to reflect on their achievements and listen to insights from special guests. For more information on the Vision Zero initiative and ongoing MCDOT programs, residents are encouraged to visit the county's website or follow their social media channels, as well as subscribing to the "Go Montgomery!" newsletter.
