Applications are open for the next Greater Manchester Youth Travel Ambassador (YTA) programme.
Now in its fourth year, the YTA scheme empowers young people aged 11-19 with the skills and confidence they need to address transport issues affecting their school community.
It aims to boost the number of youngsters walking, wheeling and cycling to school, and therefore improve congestion and air quality in their areas, and better the health and well-being of pupils and staff.
With the support from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and school staff, teams of pupils research and develop behaviour change campaigns, focusing on walking, wheeling and cycling.
The pupils, known as Youth Travel Ambassadors, then present their campaign to the rest of the school, encouraging them travel via active modes more often.
Some of the exciting ideas from previous years have included a walking bus to help pupils feel safe on their journey to and from high school, a cycle badge scheme and a walking competition.
Secondary schools are now being encouraged to take part in the next academic year of the programme.
Successful applicants will benefit from six sessions and a launch assembly led by a YTA coordinator from TfGM. All resources provided and the sessions can be adapted to each school’s needs.
Schools will also be awarded up to £500 for pupils to launch and deliver their campaign. The programme culminates with two free interschool events including a ‘Dragon’s Den-style’ pitch session and a fun end of programme celebration.
Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “I attended one of the pitching events for last year’s Youth Travel Ambassador programme, with each school presenting their ideas to boost the uptake of walking, wheeling and cycling to school.
“I was blown away by the young people’s passion for active travel and their campaign ideas. It was also fascinating to learn how the YTA programme had brought real change to schools that had previously taken part.
“School Travel is a clear priority in my Active Travel Mission and I would encourage secondary schools to apply for the next Youth Travel Ambassador programme before the deadline on 19 July.”
In previous years, schools have recorded a 6% increase in walking rates since participating in the programme, plus a 12% increase in ‘park and stride’ use, and a 7% reduction in car use.
Participating schools have also reported an increase in the number of students cycling regularly to school.
To apply, please email active.travel@tfgm.com or visit our website, beeactive.tfgm.com/support-for-schools, where the application form and flyer can be downloaded.
The deadline for applications is 19 July 2024.