Sustainability Ambassador Program Coordinator Internship

Timeline

2024

Description

Affiliated programs: Green Devils Intern Program and Sustainability Ambassadors Program

Summary

The Sustainability Ambassadors program at Duke University is designed to cultivate a sense of community, deepen sustainability knowledge, and encourage long-term behavioral change among first-year students. Led by upperclassmen Green Devil facilitators, the program explores diverse topics including the circular economy, regenerative agriculture, energy systems, media narratives, and environmental justice. Facilitators curate materials and guide biweekly discussions, often incorporating guest speakers such as professors or local business owners to enhance learning. The program also emphasizes community-building through field trips—including as hiking, thrifting, or visiting farmers markets—and culminates in student-led sustainability project pitches. Stakeholders include student facilitators, first-year participants, and the Sustainability Engagement Coordinator.

Goals

1. Equip students with the knowledge and confidence to act as “ambassadors” of sustainability across Duke’s campus.
2. Inspire student engagement and enthusiasm for sustainability initiatives at Duke.
3. Foster a supportive community where students can build friendships, have fun, and feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences.
4. Provide professional development opportunities through resume workshops, networking, and mentorship.

Experience and Learning Outcomes 

This project was part of the year-long paid Green Devils internship managed by the Office of Climate and Sustainability. Three student coordinators were responsible for coordinating and delivering program materials and supporting community building among 15 first-year ambassadors. They report learning outcomes ranging from discussion facilitation skills, community building, mentorship, and communication. One of the facilitators shared "In addition to leading discussions, I played a role in managing the logistics and implementation of students’ final projects, which required adaptability, detail-orientation, and sustainability expertise. My biggest takeaway from this experience is learning how to lead in a way that motivates behavioral change, which involves balancing education with empathy and empowerment."

Recommendations

The student leads recommend collecting robust participant feedback in order to continue honing the structure of the program and ensure it's outcomes are aligned with the goals and vision as drafted. Further, they recommend implementing an alumni network with more regular events to encourage long lasting engagement in the program across students' 4 years at Duke.

Student Interns: Rachel Weissman, Nicholas Nease and Riley Reeves

Intern Supervisor: Sophia Masciarelli, Sustainability Engagement Coordinator