Ambassador Selection
Class of 2026
Amplify Student Voice • Activate Civic Engagement
Empower Positive Change
Dear Educator,
Thank you for the time and care you annually invest to select your community’s eighth grade unsung hero(es) as Project 351 Ambassador(s). We’re eager to welcome them as a member of the Class of 2026 and excited for a transformational year of social impact and service joy!
This Selection Packet includes guidance on Project 351, the Ambassador’s 12-month Leadership Journey, and the selection process As tradition, we strongly encourage educator selection rather than a student application process!
These key dates will help ensure a successful orientation and Launch Day for your Ambassador(s):
Wednesday, October 22nd, 4:00 pm: Educator Informational Call. Friday, November 7th: Deadline for Ambassador Selection via this online link
November – January: Ambassador warm welcome and orientation (virtual).
Saturday, January 17, 2026: We unite the Class of 2026 in Boston for a high-energy, awe-inspiring Launch and Service Day in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.!
As a reminder, Project 351 is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization. There is no cost for participation for the Ambassador, family, or school district.
Once your selection form is submitted, we’ll mail your Ambassador's orange welcome packet to you to present in celebration of their selection! And with that...their 12-month leadership journey begins!
With gratitude,
Carolyn Casey Founder & Executive Director
The Urgency of Now
The 35ONE generation has been uniquely challenged by social unrest, political polarization, and a fractured national community. The pandemic, youth mental health crisis, school shootings, and a rise in identity-based bias and discrimination have informed and motivated their activism for greater unity, equity, and opportunity.
Project 351 meets them at a critical inflection point: the intersection of this tumultuous time and the start of their self-determination as young adults.
The five-year Leadership Continuum begins in the eighth grade, uniting unsung heroes representing the Commonwealth’s 351 rural, urban, suburban, and island communities. Immersive leadership, challenging enrichment, and mentorship fortifies their courage and capabilities as an architect for transformative impact. And prepares them for success in college, career, and a lifetime of change making.
Proven Model of Impact: 35ONE Leadership Continuum
MAISARAH
MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE A YOUTH-LED
PROJECT351isatransformativeleadershipdevelopmentprogramthatcultivatesanew generationofchangemakers,civicleaders,andsocialentrepreneurs.Byeffortandexample, 35ONEleadersforgestrategiesandsolutionsthatbuildamorejust,inclusive,andequitable world.
Project351’sleadershipmodel–theonlyoneofitskindinthenation–beginswithan intentionaljourneyofservice,civicengagement,andleadershipdevelopmentforeighthgrade unsungheroes(Ambassadors)representingtheCommonwealth’s351citiesandtowns.Fora year’sterm,Ambassadorsunitetobuildtheskills,knowledge,empathy,andcouragerequired toleadboldchange.
TransformedbytheirAmbassadoryear,highschoolAlumnicontinuetodevelopskillsandlead statewidesocialchangethroughourLeadershipContinuum.Arobustportfolioofleadership, service,andcareerdevelopmentopportunitiesengagehighschoolAlumniascapacity builders,mentors,andprogramleaders.
Poweredbypurpose,membersofourAlumnicommunityleadasfoundersofinnovative nonprofitsandfoundations,socialandracialjusticeactivists,enlistedmilitaryand AmeriCorpsmembers,andmission-drivenprofessionalsineducation,environment,andglobal health.
“Service builds communities, breaks barriers, and brings humanity together. At Project 351, I’ve learned how to lead and have been given a lifetime of hope. I have found myself and my place in the world.”
“Society is in urgent need of young people that dare to stand up to injustice.”
Benson Chang ‘22
Alumni Leadership Council • Norton
A Force for Transformative Good
Project 351 is a youth-led movement of unifying social change. We develop diverse leaders of courage, compassion, and skill who build a more just, inclusive, and equitable world
SINCE 2011,
5,586
SERVED 1,500,430 neighbors MOBILIZED 332,266 classmates & peers in service
DEVELOPED theskills,confidence,& couragetolead& succeedasagentsof positivechange
FOSTERED acultureofkindness &compassionin hundredsofschools& communities
UNITED COMMITTED theCommonwealth throughashared visionforgreater equity,access& inclusion toalifetimeof civicresponsibility &service
SELECTION PROCESS
1. Review Criteria
Ambassadors are unsung heroes and quiet leaders with a passion for making a difference! They’re eager to learn, serve, and lead; and excited for a year of friendship and transformational impact
Collaborate with administrators, guidance counselors, and educators to select an Ambassador to represent your community Designate a School-based Selection Team
Share the good news with your Ambassador! Confirm they’re able to attend Launch Day on January 17 and have family permission to participate in Project 351. th Select Ambassador & Confirm Participation
We’re grateful for your timely submission of the Selection Form! This will ensure your student’s engagement in Ambassador orientation and strengthen their preparedness for Launch Day! Submit online Selection Form here by November 7th
Celebrate & build excitement for the year ahead!
An “Ambassador Welcome Packet” with comprehensive information will be mailed to your school. The packet includes a “Certificate of Congratulations” for your signature and presentation to the Ambassador. We invite you to share photos of your recognition on social media!
AMBASSADOR PROFILE • SELECTION CRITERIA
Thank you for your belief... in the power and potential of young people.
Withyouressentialpartnership,Project351amplifiesstudentvoice,activatescivic engagement,andempowersyouth-ledchange.
TheheartofourmovementisaremarkablecommunityofeighthgradeAmbassadors, recognizedbyyouasunsungheroesandquietleaderstheirpassiontomakeadifference andvaluesofkindness,compassion,humility,andgratitude.Wearedeeplygratefulfor thetime,care,andintentionyouinvesttoselectyourcommunity’sunsungheroand quietleader.
NOTE:ThereisNOCOSTforparticipationfortheAmbassador,family,orschooldistrict.
SELECTIONCRITERIA:
Exemplifythevaluesofkindness,compassion,humility,andgratitude.
Demonstrateastrongethicofservice.Weseekaspiringchange-makerswhohave shownauniquepassionandcommitmenttoothersandacausegreaterthanself. Servicemayincludeeffortsatschool,throughextracurricularorganizations,attheir houseofworship,orpersonalservicetofamilybecauseofuniqueorchallenging circumstances
Hasinitiative,canworkindependently,andvaluesandenjoysteamwork. Reflectstrongpotentialanddesiretolearnandlead.
RepresenttherichdiversityoftheCommonwealthandyourcommunity.
REQUIREMENTS&RESPONSIBILITIES:
Eighthgradestudent
Permissionandsupportoffamily/guardian
SupportofanEducatorMentor
ParticipationinProject351’sLaunch&ServiceDayonSaturday,January17,2026.
Commitmenttoparticipatein12-monthleadershipjourney,whichincludes leadershipdevelopment,mentorship,communitybuilding,andthreeAmbassador-led serviceprojectsintheirhometown
SELECTION DATES & MILESTONES
Wednesday, October 22 • 4:00 pm
Educator Info Call via Zoom
Friday, November 7
Ambassador Selection
Tuesday, November 25 • 5:30 pm
Class of 2026 Welcome Call via Zoom
Class of 2026 Welcome Call via Zoom (for those who were unable to join the November 25 call) th Wednesday, December 10 • 6:00 pm
Monday, January 12, 2026 • 7:00 pm
Countdown to Launch Call via Zoom
Saturday, January 17, 2026 in Boston
16th Annual Launch & Service Day in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King & in celebration of the Ambassador Class of 2026!
ADDENDUM
REFLECTIONS ON LEADERSHIP
LAUNCH & SERVICE DAY
In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr & Coretta Scott King
Kick-offyourAmbassadoryearat anunforgettabledayof celebration&serviceinBoston!
AMBASSADOR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY
Congratulations,Ambassador,&welcometo35ONE! Getreadyforalife-changingyear ofleadership,service,andfriendship!
Ready, set, lead! Your first hometown service project for Cradles to Crayons will make a difference in the lives of thousands of children across the state Spring SERVICE!
Soak up the sun, spend time with family & friends, and reflect with pride on the first half of your Ambassador year! Build excitement as we prepare for the second half of your leadership journey!
With Inspiration from Celtics’ change makers, build the skills & knowledge to make a difference as bridge builders & upstanders.
Learn how to lead positive change in support of Cradles to Crayons. Featuring inspirational speakers, skill-building & step-by-step support to ensure your service success! in partnership with the BOSTON CELTICS
in partnership with KyleCares, Cuerd@s, and WBZ-TV
Special programming to build a strong foundation of mental health & wellness! We “honor & remember” the tragic loss of September 11, 2001 through service for our military, veterans & the families of the Fallen and 911 loved ones In 2026, Tribute Service will take on special meaning as we mark 911's 25 anniversary th
Reunite&celebratewith yourAmbassadorfriends!A dayofawe-inspiringservice impact,specialguests, leadershipworkshops&fun! HostedbythePatriotsFoundation at GILLETTE
Unite schools & communities in support of your hometown food pantries &
invitation to alumni community
Continue to lead & serve with Project 351 through high school & beyond! You’ve only just begun!
16th ANNUAL LAUNCH & SERVICE DAY
in HONOR of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King and in CELEBRATION of the Class of 2026
SATURDAY • JANUARY 17, 2026
Launch Day unites and uplifts a rising generation of diverse change makers and bridge builders representing the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns. This special day of celebration and social impact kicks-off the Ambassadors’ year of transformational leadership development, civic engagement, and service.
MORNING CELEBRATION, including the Roll Call of Service Heroes introducing the Class of 2026!
TRANSF0RMATIONAL SERVICE, an afternoon of unifying service in partnership with community to positively impact more than 10,000+ lives!
SERVICE CELEBRATION and kick-off of Spring Service, the Ambassadors’ first service campaign in support of Cradles to Crayons
NOTE: There is no cost and transportation is provided.
REFLECTIONS ON LEADERSHIP
Project 351 is something everyone should experience
— I feel more optimistic and hopeful about humanity knowing there are others who think the same way I do.
• Brockton
Alumni Leadership Council • Ludlow Harvard University ‘30
With Project 351, I’ve found the family of a lifetime and a cause greater than self that has become synonymous with my life’s purpose.
Project 351 has deepened my understanding of true leadership -rooted in service, compassion, and resilience. I’ve learned to show up for others, listen carefully, and lead with humility and empathy. Leadership doesn’t require perfection, rather a commitment to growth and to work as 35ONE to make a positive impact.
Ambassador • Revere
Ambassador
Domilove
The most powerful lesson I’ve learned from
PROJECT351
is that social change is never done alone. It thrives through unity, mentorship, and shared purpose. I’ve come to believe that when we rise together, our power is limitless and our impact, truly lasting.
SAVA • SHARON