NCAST Welcomes 2026-27 Teen Ambassadors
A new group of NC students is advocating for better driving habits, policies
The North Carolina Alliance for Safe Transportation is proud to welcome a new group of young people into its Teen Ambassador program. Thirty-two students from 15 different counties across the state have been selected from a pool of more than 100 applicants. These Teen Ambassadors will talk to their friends and family about the importance of good driving habits, advocate for better driving laws and generally spread the message: Crashes are preventable.
“Lawmakers, media, local government leaders, the general public, other high school and college students – you’re going to hear from our Teen Ambassadors,” NCAST Executive Director Joe Stewart said. “We’re proud of these students for being bold and speaking out, because that fuels positive change in traffic safety policy and driving behaviors.”
This is the third year for NCAST’s Teen Ambassador program, and teens who complete the program will receive a college scholarship up to $1,000, as well as a stipend to cover travel costs to in-person events.To qualify for scholarships students must stay active in the program, and they receive training in advocacy and communication during biweekly virtual meetings. During the first training session this week students learned that:
- 90% of people wear their seatbelts in North Carolina, but more than 40% of the people who die in crashes weren’t wearing theirs.
- Nearly a quarter of road fatalities here are related to speeding.
- 91% of North Carolina voters support legislation to make it illegal to drive with a phone in your hand – a law that more than 30 states, including all of North Carolina’s immediate neighbors, have on the books.
On the session, students also shared with each other their “why” for becoming a Teen Ambassador.
“My mother and brother were both in crashes,” said Archana Bharathi, an 11th grader. “That feeling of your heart sticking through your chest – I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”
“A family friend was hit by a teenage driver,” said Tejes Prabhu, also in 11th grade. “Now people call me a prude about it, but I want to make sure people are driving safe. I want to make sure no one feels that terrible.”
“I want to help make North Carolina’s roads safer for young drivers,” said Caroline Stocks, a UNC-Chapel Hill student. “I believe teens can have a strong influence on one another.”
For more information contact Travis Fain – travis@faincommunications.com or 919.630.9296.
DOWNLOADABLE IMAGES
(Shift-click or right click to download)
Seatbelt selfie by new Teen Ambassador Nevaeh Sessoms, a senior from Pasquotank County — taken in a parked vehicle, of course!
Seatbelt selfie by new Teen Ambassador Yvanna Gonzales, a senior from Edgecombe County — taken in a parked vehicle, of course!
About NCAST
The North Carolina Alliance for Safe Transportation (NCAST) was created in 2022 to communicate safe driving messages, engage North Carolinians and champion policies that promote better behavior across all forms of transportation. It has one goal: reduce the number of transportation-related crashes, injuries and fatalities in North Carolina.