Salata Institute Student Ambassadors Program

The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability is dedicated to developing and promoting effective, equitable solutions to the pressing challenges of climate change. The Institute achieves its mission by fostering collaboration across Harvard’s diverse areas of expertise and by connecting practitioners working in government, business, and civil society with Harvard’s climate expertise.  

The Salata Institute Student Ambassadors Program supports this mission by building a student-driven interdisciplinary climate community across Harvard’s many schools. Student Ambassadors conduct peer-to-peer outreach, engage with climate and sustainability leaders in their schools (students, faculty, and staff), and provide valuable feedback that informs the Institute’s student programs. Students who participate in the program will help to strengthen networks among students passionate about climate and sustainability while gaining leadership and communication skills essential for future climate leaders. 

Details: 

Appointment term: 1 academic year (2024 – 2025)

Time commitment: estimated 10 hours (minimum) per semester 

Applications Open: September 16, 2024

Applications Close: Monday, September 30, 2024 at 11:59 PM

Ambassador Activities: 

1. Learn about the Salata Institute’s student programs, institutional goals, and strategies. 

2. Disseminate information about the Salata Institute and university-wide climate resources through peer-to-peer conversations, tabling events, meetings, and other avenues. 

3. Gather information from the student body about gaps in student programming and new student programming ideas. 

4. Cultivate relationships with key climate and sustainability contacts. 

5. Provide feedback to the Salata Institute on new programs, digital tools, student resources, etc.

Program Features:

• Student Ambassadors receive a $500 stipend, provided they meet the program requirements. (The stipend will be dispersed in two equal installments of $250/semester). 

• They engage and work closely with Salata Institute staff, faculty, and researchers. 

• They are mentored on effective communication, outreach, and community building.  

• Student Ambassadors are featured on the Salata Institute’s website. 

• They are invited to attend or volunteer at all the Salata Institute’s events.  

Applicant Qualifications: 

• Applicants must be registered Harvard University students in good academic standing. The program is open to both graduate and undergraduate students. 

• Applicants must read and agree to the Program Expectations and Time Commitment outlined below. 

• Successful applicants demonstrate enthusiasm for and competency in peer-to-peer outreach, education, and engagement activities. 

• Ambassadors have strong academic, extracurricular, or personal interests in topics related to climate, sustainability, and the environment. 

• Applicants must attend the Student Ambassador Program Information Session on September 12 or watch the recording.  

Program Expectations: 

Students accepted to the Ambassador’s Program will meet the following expectations:  

• Ambassadors commit to participating in the program for one academic year. 

• Students must be present on campus during their participation in the program. 

• They attend a one-hour, in-person Semester Kick-off meeting each semester. 

• They carry out the Ambassador Activities outlined above to the best of their ability with guidance from the Salata Institute’s staff. 

• They attend the Salata Institute’s Spring Open House event (February 2025). 

• They attend a one-hour, in-person, de-brief meeting at the end of each semester.

Council Structure:

The Salata Institute will accept up to 24 students to the program. Two students from each of Harvard’s schools will be selected to ensure equal representation. Students will serve as ambassadors for at least one academic year and may be invited to serve a second year.  

Program Timeline: 

Interested students should review the program timeline outlined below. All applications are due by 11:59 PM on September 30, 2024. To qualify, students must also attend the Information Session being held on September 12, 2024 or watch the recording. 

Application Requirements: 

The deadline to apply is *UPDATED* 11:59 PM on September 30, 2024. The application for the Salata Institute Student Ambassadors Program includes the following sections: 

1. Personal Information: Identifying details about the applicant like name and email.

2. Application Documents (PDF Uploads): 
   • Resume/CV: 1 page maximum 
   • Application Letter (See Details): 1 page maximum 

3. Reference Information: Contact information for one reference. 

4. Program Agreements: Acknowledgment of the program expectations and requirements

The 2024-2025 Student Ambassadors will be announced on October 4, 2024 

Application Letter Details:  

• Content: The application letter should clearly state your motivations for applying to the Salata Institute’s Student Ambassadors Program. Please explain why you think you would be a good fit for the Ambassador’s program highlighting your unique qualities that make you well suited for the role. Please also describe your interests in climate, sustainability, and the environment and what excites you most about the opportunity to participate in the program. 
    

• Formatting: 
  • 1 page maximum 
  • Single spaced 
  • 12-point font 
  • Please use Times New Roman, Arial, Aptos, or Calibri fonts 
  • Please include header (First name, last name, email, and school/college) 
  • Please submit as a PDF document 

Questions? Contact oona_gaffney@harvard.edu