Tyler Prize Opens 2027 Student Ambassador Program for Environmental Champions Worldwide

The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement has opened applications for its 2027 Student Ambassador Program, inviting university students from around the world to become global voices for environmental action. Students have until 30 October 2026 to apply for a role that puts them in direct contact with leading environmental scientists, policymakers and the Tyler Prize Laureates themselves.

The announcement, published on the Tyler Prize’s official website this week, calls on “passionate and motivated students” to join a growing network of young people working for a more resilient and equitable planet.

What Tyler Prize Student Ambassadors gain

Selected Tyler Prize Student Ambassadors receive a package designed to accelerate an early career in environmental work:

• Engage with global leaders: direct interaction with the 2027 Tyler Prize Laureate or Laureates, past Laureates and other distinguished environmental leaders.
• Exclusive access: sessions and events with the Tyler Prize Executive Committee and Laureates.
• Skill development: professional training in storytelling, communication and public engagement.
• Global network: a community of peers dedicated to advancing environmental achievement — and, after successful completion, membership of the Student Ambassador Alumni Association, which offers exclusive contact with professionals, scientists and communicators in the Tyler Prize community.
• Recognition: ambassadors are featured on the Tyler Prize website and social media channels for their role in advancing environmental progress.

Who can apply

The program is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, full-time or part-time, from universities anywhere in the world. Roughly half of each year’s cohort comes from the University of Southern California, which administers the Tyler Prize and hosts its awards ceremony — the remaining places are open to international applicants. Applicants should be proficient in English; knowledge of additional languages is an advantage.

Opportunity listings for the program also stress that it welcomes students with a deep interest in Tyler Prize themes, from climate, oceans and water to food and agriculture, health and equality, and strongly encourages applications from students from disadvantaged and historically underrepresented communities.

Ambassador responsibilities

Ambassadors are expected to be active representatives of the prize in their own communities and on social media:

• promote the work and impact of Tyler Prize Laureates through social media and community engagement;
• take part in live events, Q&A sessions and exclusive discussions with environmental leaders;
• share their own perspectives through blog posts, photos and videos on the Tyler Prize platform.

Voices from past ambassadors

Former ambassadors describe the year as career-defining. Emerson Damiano, a 2023 Tyler Prize ‘Oceans’ Ambassador, said: “Being a Tyler Prize Student Ambassador was transformative. I met so many leaders in my field and felt like a leader myself. I made valuable contacts and was offered my dream internship at Oceana.” Chanté Davis, a 2025 Tyler Prize Ambassador, called it “a life-changing experience”, saying she was surrounded by inspiring environmental leaders and learned about innovative solutions that gave her hope for the future.

About the Tyler Prize

The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement is the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual environmental award, established in 1973 by the late John and Alice Tyler. Administered by the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, it carries a $250,000 prize and honours individuals or organisations from anywhere in the world for exceptional leadership and achievement in global environmental science and policy. Past Laureates include Jane Goodall, Johan Rockström, Michael Mann, Sandra Díaz and Madhav Gadgil. The 2026 prize honoured Dr. Toby Kiers for her groundbreaking research on underground ecosystems and their role in sustaining life on Earth. The 2027 Laureates will be announced in the coming months.

Applications close on Friday, 30 October 2026, at 11:59 PM U.S. Pacific Time.

Read more environment stories on Watan News International’s English news page.

FAKTA

• Program: 2027 Tyler Prize Student Ambassador Program, by the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement.
• Deadline: 30 October 2026, 11:59 PM U.S. Pacific Time.
• Eligibility: undergraduate and postgraduate students (full-time or part-time) from universities worldwide; English proficiency required.
• About the prize: established 1973 by John and Alice Tyler; $250,000 prize; administered by the University of Southern California.

FAQs

Who can apply for the Tyler Prize Student Ambassador Program?

Undergraduate and postgraduate students, studying full-time or part-time, at universities anywhere in the world. About half of each cohort comes from the University of Southern California, which hosts the Tyler Prize awards ceremony; the remaining places are open to international applicants. Applicants should be proficient in English.

What is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted by Friday, 30 October 2026, at 11:59 PM U.S. Pacific Time. International applicants should account for the time difference between their country and the U.S. West Coast when planning their submission.

What do Tyler Prize Student Ambassadors do?

They promote the work and impact of Tyler Prize Laureates through social media and community engagement, take part in live events and Q&A sessions with environmental leaders, and share their own perspectives through blog posts, photos and videos on the Tyler Prize platform.

What is the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement?

It is the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual environmental award, established in 1973 by the late John and Alice Tyler. Administered by the University of Southern California, the $250,000 prize recognises exceptional leadership and achievement in global environmental science and policy. Past Laureates include Jane Goodall, Johan Rockström, Michael Mann, Sandra Díaz and Madhav Gadgil.

What do ambassadors gain from the program?

Direct engagement with the 2027 Laureate or Laureates and past Laureates, exclusive sessions with the Tyler Prize Executive Committee, professional training in storytelling and communication, a global peer network, recognition on the Tyler Prize website and social media, and membership of the Student Ambassador Alumni Association after successful completion.