PA Fibershed Seeks Next Generation Of Student Leaders For Ambassador Program, Applications Close June 30

As the fashion and textile industries face mounting environmental and economic challenges, Pennsylvania Fibershed is expanding its University Ambassador Program to additional campuses across Pennsylvania for the 2026-2027 academic year. 

The program arms students with the knowledge, leadership experience, and professional skills needed to shape a more regenerative future.

Applications for the 2026–2027 Ambassador cohort close on June 30, 2026.

Textile Waste

According to the PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center, Pennsylvanians alone send over 370,000 tons of textiles to landfills and incinerators each year, which is equivalent to over 50 pounds of clothing per PA resident. 

At the same time, the global fashion industry is responsible for an estimated 4–10% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. 

Decades of outsourcing have also weakened regional manufacturing systems and disconnected consumers from the origins of their clothing.

The Program

PA Fibershed’s University Ambassador Program was created to help students better understand these challenges while actively participating in solutions rooted in regional collaboration, education, and community engagement.

The program brings together student leaders from Pennsylvania colleges and universities to explore issues surrounding textile waste, natural fibers, circular systems, and regional manufacturing. 

Through hands-on programming and mentorship, ambassadors gain practical experience in event planning, public engagement, nonprofit operations, and collaborative leadership.

“The PA Fibershed Student Ambassador Program has solidified my textile knowledge and the ability to teach others, helped me gain confidence when networking and understand the importance of documenting all events and their impact,” said 25-26 Jefferson Ambassador Maggie Robinson. “Since being with the program I have been able to host textile related workshops, informational events and connect students with industry professionals.”

During its inaugural 25-26 year, ambassadors from Drexel and Thomas Jefferson Universities contributed more than 170 outreach hours, planned and executed 10 educational and community events, and helped divert over 1,000 garments from landfill. 

Students who are passionate about sustainability, fashion, textiles, circularity, agriculture, nonprofit leadership, environmental advocacy, economic development or community engagement are encouraged to apply. 

View the 2025 Impact Report.

Click Here to watch a video about the program.

Click Here for more information and application details.

Pennsylvania Fibershed is a nonprofit organization working to build a regional fiber and textile system rooted in regenerative agriculture, local manufacturing, and community connection.

[Posted: June 18, 2026]  PA Environment Digest