CARSON CITY – The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) has announced a pilot program that will partner high school students with elementary school students to educate them on the value of recycling and resource conservation.

In 2008, NDEP developed a recycling curriculum that was approved by the Clark County School District and is currently being implemented in elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the County. Under the new Recycling Ambassadors Program, select high school students from Western High School have been trained to teach recycling to fifth graders based on the approved curriculum. Participating high school students have the opportunity to gain community services hours, learn public speaking skills and demonstrate leadership as part of their participation in this program.

The Ambassadors Program will initially be introduced at three elementary schools that send students to Western High School, including Red Rock Elementary School, Rose Warren Elementary School and Vail Pittman Elementary School.

“This program is an exciting new way to teach students about waste reduction and recycling,”stated Colleen Cripps, administrator for the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, “We encourage other schools to get involved.”

To learn more about NDEP’s ambassadors program, the State’s recycling programs, or if your school is interested in participating in the Ambassadors Program, please visit the Nevada Recycles website at: www.nevadarecycles.gov.