For Immediate Release: Monday, Nov. 24, 2025  

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is inviting local high school students to take a leading role in promoting traffic safety as "Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors." The project-based learning program teaches teens leadership skills, and outreach and engagement techniques to address traffic safety needs in their community. MCDOT is seeking 20 to 30 students to participate in the program. Applications are being accepted through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5.  

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

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

“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,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Their contributions will help advance our Vision Zero commitment to eliminating traffic-related fatalities.”  

Applicants will be notified by Friday, Dec.19, if they have been accepted into the program. Selected ambassadors are required to attend five in-person sessions. Program orientation will be held in person from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10. After the orientation session, ambassadors will participate in five additional in-person sessions through May. Sessions will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays on the following dates:  

• Saturday, Feb. 7

• Saturday, March 7

• Saturday, April 11

• Saturday, April 25

• Saturday, May 9 

All sessions will be held at the Montgomery County Executive Office Building, located at 101 Monroe St. 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 39 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.  

“Through this work, teens gain firsthand insight into how our transportation infrastructure influences safety and how individual choices affect the broader community,” said Chris Conklin, director of MCDOT. “Their projects lead to concrete results that strengthen the safety and quality of life for residents across the County.”   

The youth ambassadors will complete the program in mid-May 2026, 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 information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X, and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.