09/03/2026
The NC Alliance for Safe Transportation is recruiting a new cohort of North Carolina students to spread a safe driving message. The Teen Ambassador program is in its third year, and ambassadors can win a scholarship up to $1,000, as well as a stipend to defray travel costs for in-person NCAST events.
Some 1,700 people die on North Carolina roads each year, and more than 110,000 are injured, according to the latest data available from the NC Department of Transportation. More than 40% of the people who died weren’t wearing a seatbelt.
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teenagers, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and “the risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens ages 16-19 than among any other age group.”
The Teen Ambassador program is open to North Carolina students aged 15 to 19. In the past this program had more than 100 members in a given year. This year NCAST is recruiting a smaller cohort with a deeper focus, and the program includes online training and brainstorming sessions every two weeks.
The program offers: A $150 stipend for ambassadors who attend or plan at least one in-person event. A one-time scholarship between $500 and $1,000 for ambassadors who fulfill specific program requirements. Leadership experience, communications training, connections to other motivated young people and the chance to speak to journalists and state and local policymakers about important issues.
Interested students can apply to be a 2026-27 Teen Ambassador at
Become eligible for a scholarship of up to $1000 and help friends stay safe behind the wheel.
