PROJECT351
demonstrates that good still exists in the world. We’re surrounded by so many negative things, but not at Project 351. I’ve learned that by working together, my generation -- the new generation -- can build a better future.
I've learned about our common humanity and have felt huge pride in my heart each time I make a difference in someone’s life.
NIRELIS • AMBASSADOR • HOLDEN
Ambassador checklist
Be on the lookout for your official Project 351 welcome email! Please add info@project351.org to your email contacts to ensure you receive Ambassador emails!
Confirm your participation as an Ambassador! Complete the Class of 2025 Ambassador Registration form by Sunday, December 15th. (Registration link will be included in your welcome email.)
Follow Project 351 on social media @project351 for inspiration, information, & community building!
Bookmark the Ambassador Resource Hub at www.project351.org/class-of-2025 for easy access to information & updates!
Subscribe to the Project 351 Ambassador Calendar (located in the Resource Hub) for key dates & Zoom call information!
Get excited for an inspirational year of friendships, service, and leadership development!
key Dates & Milestones
Monday, November 25 • 6:00 pm
Class of 2025 Welcome Call #1 via Zoom
Tuesday, December 10 • 6:00 pm
Class of 2025 Welcome Call #2 via Zoom
Sunday, December 15
Ambassador Registration Deadline
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 • 6:00 pm
Countdown to Launch Call via Zoom
Saturday, January 25, 2025 • Boston
15th Annual Launch & Service Day in celebration of the Ambassador Class of 2025!
• Please Note •
Zoom information will be emailed prior to each call.
MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE A YOUTH-LED
PROJECT 351 is a transformative leadership development program that cultivates a new generation of change makers, civic leaders, and social entrepreneurs. By effort and example, 35ONE leaders forge strategies and solutions that build a more just, inclusive, and equitable world.
Project 351’s leadership model – the only one of its kind in the nation – begins with an intentional journey of service, civic engagement, and leadership development for eighth grade unsung heroes (Ambassadors) representing the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns. For a year’s term, Ambassadors unite to build the skills, knowledge, empathy, and courage required to lead bold change.
Transformed by their Ambassador year, high school Alumni continue to develop skills and lead statewide social change through our Leadership Continuum. A robust portfolio of leadership, service, and career development opportunities engage high school Alumni as capacity builders, mentors, and program leaders.
Powered by purpose, members of our Alumni community lead as founders of innovative nonprofits and foundations, social and racial justice activists, enlisted military and AmeriCorps members, and mission-driven professionals in education, environment, and global 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, developed theskills,confidence,& couragetolead& succeedasagentsof positivechange fostered acultureofkindness &compassionin hundredsofschools& communities
1,378,891 neighbors mobilized 326,711 classmates & peers in service 5,229
United committed theCommonwealth throughashared visionforgreater equity,access& inclusion toalifetimeofcivic responsibility& service served
Gratitude
AMBASSADOR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY
Congratulations,Ambassador&welcometo35ONE! Getreadyforalife-changingyear ofleadership,service,andfriendship!
January
In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr & Coretta Scott King
Kick-offyourAmbassadoryearat anunforgettabledayof celebration&serviceinBoston! HostedbyJOHNHANCOCK
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!
July
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!
November LAUNCH & SERVICE DAY
October
Help “Make Hunger History” with Project Bread by gaining the knowledge & skills to lead Fall Service Featuring visionary leaders, skill-building & step-by-step support to ensure your service success!
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 be kind to your mind
June 7
Special programming to build a strong foundation of mental health & wellness while you lead & serve
Reunite&celebratewith yourAmbassadorfriends!A dayofawe-inspiringservice impact,specialguests, leadershipworkshops&fun! HostedbythePatriotsFoundation at GILLETTE STADIUM in partnership with the New England Patriots Foundation
August
Build the confidence & skills to serve local veterans, deployed service members, and MA Military Heroes Fund at Home Base. Featuring inspirational speakers & Alumni best practices
September 11
“honor & remember” the tragic loss of September 11, 2001 through service for our military, veterans & the families of the Fallen and 911 loved ones
Unite schools & communities in support of your hometown food pantries & the families they nourish the AMBASSADOR CAMPAIGN TO END HUNGER
invitation to alumni community
Continue to lead & serve with Project 351 through high school & beyond! You’ve only just begun!
Ambassadors!
My name is Anika Teckchandani, the 2020 Ambassador from Braintree and a student at Northeastern University. Congratulations on your selection as Ambassador and warm welcome to 35ONE!
If you’re like me, you’re feeling both excited and nervous! I offer my Ambassador experience as perspective on the inspiration ahead.
Project 351 gave me a reason to have hope. Hope for a better community, hope to end hunger, hope for more unity, hope for a better world. As teenagers, many of us can feel let down by the world around us. We believe that we’re too young to do anything of meaning or impact. Project 351 teaches us the opposite. It opens our eyes to a whole world of possibilities and, by doing so, changes our lives and those we’re privileged to serve.
When I was in middle school, I was frequently asked, “What is your special talent?". I never had a good answer. Sometimes I’d reply “dancing”, other times, “swimming”. Most of my friends confidently knew their gift -- sports or cooking or baking. I thought I'd never find my special talent, but I was wrong.
The day I became an Ambassador at Project 351, my answer was found. My talent is service and my gift is helping others. It's something I am good at and have great passion for. Project 351 influences each Ambassador in a unique way, with one common thread: it changes our lives and opens our hearts.
Project 351 inspires me to wake up every morning with the knowledge that -today -- I can change my community and this world. This confidence puts the happiest smile on my face and gives me hope -- that together -- we can make the world a better place.
Congratulations, once again! I can’t wait to serve with you in the year ahead!
Sincerely,
Anika Teckchandani
2020 Ambassador, Braintree
Alumni Leadership Council, 2021 -- 2024
Northeastern University
launch day: Inspiration & Information!
1. What is launch day?
Launch Day is Project 351's annual kick-off to the Ambassador year The Class of 2025 will convene for the first time on Saturday, January 25th in Boston for an unforgettable celebration You can expect a day packed with inspirational speakers, leadership development, new friendships, and an afternoon of high-impact service!
2. Is transportation provided?
Project 351 provides transportation to/from Boston for Launch Day via regional buses staffed by trained and experienced educators and adult volunteers Bus programming will include guidance about the day ahead and an opportunity to build friendships with Ambassador classmates from your region!
In early January, your families, educators, and you will receive detailed transportation information. This brief will include your regional bus stop location, Bus Captain contact information, and schedule for morning pick-up and end-ofday drop-off.
3. Are meals provided?
You’ll receive a breakfast snack, lunch, and afternoon refreshments Water and snacks will be available throughout the day
We encourage you to share dietary restrictions and health guidance in your Ambassador Registration & Family Permission form. The Project 351 team will follow up with your family for their guidance on appropriate meal options and any additional support required for a successful Launch Day
4. Can family members attend launch?
Unfortunately, due to capacity limitations, we’re unable to welcome family members on Launch Day. But, we’ll ensure they’re part of the celebration through social media posts, photos, and a Launch recap and photo album!
5. What is the Dress Code for Launch?
Please dress in comfortable and casual clothes, suitable for a variety of activities – including community service! To ensure safety and warmth, please wear closed-toe, comfortable shoes. Upon arrival, you will receive your official Ambassador tee (navy and long sleeve) and a drawstring cinch sack.
Frequently Asked questions
1. What is an Ambassador?
An Ambassador is an eighth grade student selected by hometown educators for a year of community service, leadership development, and unity with friends-you-haven’t-yet-met from across Massachusetts Ambassadors are recognized for an inspiring ethic of service; the values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude; and a passion for making a difference
Ambassadors are chosen by educator selection rather than student application to ensure the recognition of unsung heroes and quiet leaders Each Fall, hometown educators engage a locally-designed selection process based on Project 351’s values, criteria, and program expectations We're grateful for the wisdom of educators in selecting the eighth grader who best reflects the hopes and aspirations of their school and community
Project 351 values and celebrates the rich diversity of our Commonwealth We welcome Ambassadors from all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, gender expressions, national origins (ancestry), abilities, and sexual orientations
2. Is there a cost to participate in Project 351?
There is no cost associated with Project 351 for the Ambassador, family, or school district
Project 351 is devoted to ensuring full access to participation for every Ambassador and provides the resources, enrichment, and mentorship to guide success
The Project 351 team would be grateful to learn of any barriers to participation (eg internet access), so we can provide guidance and assistance
3. What are the benefits of ambassador participation?
Leadership, confidence, friendships, and the skills to make a difference as change maker, kind friend, and engaged classmate! Ambassadors gain a sense of pride with each successful service campaign, as they turn ideas into awe-inspiring impact for tens of thousands of children and families across the state
The Ambassador’s 12-month leadership journey begins with an inspirational Launch Day in Boston At Launch, Ambassadors unite, celebrate, and serve with eighth graders representing the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns Over a year’s term, Ambassadors learn from diverse perspectives and ideas; strengthen knowledge of issues and causes of importance; and mobilize their family and friends in high impact service
Ambassadors build knowledge and skills that support classroom and community success including communication, project management, teamwork, and the values of empathy, inclusion, and generosity We’re proud that the 5,229 Alumni who precede the Class of 2025 embrace service leadership as a priority in their college and career choices