Climate Ambassador Programme
The 15-week Climate Ambassador Programme seeks to bring together a community of passionate Year 13 students who will valuably contribute to a better climate future.
Students will complete the first-year University Introduction to Climate Change Science paper, which covers the scientific basis of climate change, fully online. The 15 points obtained by completing the paper can be used towards University study in either the Bachelor of Climate Change or an alternative qualification.
Across two on-campus hub days, students will also benefit from opportunities to participate in a case study competition across varying climate issues, hear from aspiring leaders in the sector, participate in workshops, and network with like-minded peers from different schools and backgrounds.
Commitment
The programme has been designed so that there is minimal administrative support from schools, and to create manageable time commitments for the students. Cohorts of students will come together through a mix of online learning and face-to-face engagement throughout the programme which runs from 24 February 2025 to 17 June 2025.
As part of the Introduction to Climate Change Science paper, students must be available for one 2-hour online workshop after school each week. There are also 2-3 short mini lectures (20 minutes each) that students are required to watch weekly at a time that suits their schedules.
Students will also need to attend two on campus days in Hamilton where the multi-disciplinary aspects of the climate change issue will be explored through interactive workshops, inspiring talks and a case study competition.
- Hub Day - Tuesday, 18 March 2025
- Summit Day - Tuesday, 17 June 2025
Eligibility
The Climate Ambassador Programme is open to all year 13 secondary school students who:
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have New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency,
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have met the criteria for discretionary entrance (DE) to university,
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have approval from their school,
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achieved NCEA Level 2 Certificate or above endorsed with a Merit or Excellence
If you do not have discretionary entrance or a Level 2 endorsement, you are still eligible with a letter of recommendation from your secondary school.
How to apply
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Fill in the Climate Ambassador Programme application form
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Have your school complete and sign their approval section
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Email the completed form to climate_ambassadors@waikato.ac.nz. If you do not have discretionary entrance or a Level 2 endorsement, please also send a letter of recommendation from your secondary school.
- Create a MyWaikato account
Please note: Eligible students will be accepted into the programme on a first come, first served basis. Please apply early as spaces are limited.