By: Marina Plume, Marketing Intern With the Bay Area’s ever-growing community, the public transportation industry must continuously evolve to meet the region’s transit needs. SamTrans’ Youth Ambassador Program offers a […]
With the Bay Area’s ever-growing community, the public
transportation industry must continuously evolve to meet the region’s transit
needs. SamTrans’ Youth Ambassador Program offers a unique opportunity for local
young residents to play an active role in the development of the agency.
The
Ambassador Experience
As representatives of youth communities throughout San Mateo
County, SamTrans youth ambassadors dedicate time monthly to go behind the
scenes of a public bus transportation agency, inform strategies to increase
youth ridership and participate in fun outreach events.
Ambassadors have the opportunity to tour various bus
facilities, witnessing firsthand just how large the agency is and how much
diligent work goes into ensuring the best possible service is provided to
SamTrans riders. Ambassadors also participate in fun events such as the Holiday Train, Stuff a Bus
and more.
During youth ambassador meetings, participants are asked to call upon their own experience to add a fresh perspective when evaluating SamTrans service, brainstorming outreach plans for SamTrans engagement and developing promotional content, like the recently produced “Lil Monsters” bus etiquette video series.
Along with resume-building experience that adds value to college admission eligibility, this program provides youth riders with exposure to all of the different departments within the agency and help them discover what they may be passionate about for a future career or field of study.
Even coming in with a lot of knowledge of transportation, I still learned a lot about the behind-the-scenes of SamTrans. The field trip to South Base was particularly interesting, as were just the conversations with employees at meetings and outreach events. I especially enjoyed learning the planning side of things, from how bus drivers’ routes are determined to how SamTrans adjusts its schedules and counts passengers.
Andrew M. 2018-2019 Youth Ambassador
How to Apply:
REQUIREMENTS Applicants must:
Be a mature and driven
high school or college student that lives or goes to school within San Mateo
County
Commit to volunteer an
average six hours of work per month for at least 9 months
Attend, in-person or
through video conferencing, at least 5 out of 9 monthly meetings (counted as
volunteer hours) with fellow volunteers
Have an active email
account that you check regularly
Possess good knowledge
of various social media platforms
SKILLS/ABILITIES Successful Volunteers are:
Experienced with or
willing to learn about using various forms of public transportation, including
SamTrans and Caltrain
Able to work patiently
and respectfully with people of all ages and abilities
Self-directed and able
to work independently
Exceptional
problem-solving and communication skills
Interested in seeking
opportunities to help fellow youth
BENEFITS FOR YOUTH AMBASSADOR VOLUNTEERS Volunteers will get:
Promotional/marketing
experience
Community service
hours
Networking and
volunteer opportunities
Recognition at
internal and community volunteer events
Compensation in form
of monthly bus pass and $200 stipend upon completion of the program
Additional perks, such
as snacks at monthly meetings, Brand Ambassador Jacket/T-shirt, bonus prizes
and incentives for top participants.
Click here to learn more about the Youth Ambassador Program. To apply, click here.
hello to all. thanks.