Benefits of being a student ambassador
As a student ambassador, you’ll gain valuable leadership experience while connecting with peers and professionals in the physics community:
- Professional development: Access exclusive training and workshops to grow your leadership and communication skills.
- Annual Leadership Meeting: Receive an invitation to the APS Annual Leadership Meeting to connect with leaders across the Society.
- Travel support: Apply for volunteer travel awards to attend APS meetings and represent your community.
- Peer network: Join an online community of ambassadors to share ideas, resources, and support.
- Student advocacy: Serve as a voice for physics students and help shape APS programs and priorities.
- Recognition: Be recognized as a leader in your field—on your campus and within the broader physics community.
Eligibility
APS student ambassadors are enthusiastic, community-minded students who are ready to lead and represent APS at their institutions. We’re looking for students who are passionate about physics, committed to inclusion, and eager to help connect their peers with resources and opportunities. Students from all countries and all physics-related disciplines are encouraged to apply.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be an active APS member at the time of application and throughout tenure in the program
- Be a currently enrolled student at a degree granting higher education institution
- Remain a student at your institution for the full duration of the one-year term
- Not have served more than one previous term as a student ambassador
Ambassadors typically dedicate a few hours each month to their role, including sharing APS opportunities, attending occasional virtual gatherings, and participating in professional development. The time commitment is flexible and designed to complement your academic responsibilities.
Application process
Becoming a student ambassador is simple, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Here’s what you need to know to prepare your application.
Deadlines
Applications open annually in early spring for the following academic year. The 2026-27 cohort application will open in February 2026 and close in April 2026. Applicants will be notified of decisions by early May 2026.
Application materials
To apply, you’ll need to complete a short online form and provide a few key items as part of your submission. Get started by taking the following steps:
Log in to access the application
Log in with your myAPS account with an active APS membership. Not a member? Sign up as a student member today.
Fill out the application form
Provide short, written responses about your experiences with physics, APS, and community building.
Submit a letter of recommendation
Include a letter of recommendation from an advisor, faculty, or staff from your institution. We recommend that you complete your application with enough time to allow the individual writing your letter of recommendation to submit their letter. Your letter of recommendation must be submitted before your application can be reviewed.
Selection process and timeline
After submitting a completed application, you will receive a confirmation email. APS staff will review your application and make selections based on your demonstrated commitment to physics, potential for leadership, and interest in community building.
All applicants will be notified of their status by early May. Selected ambassadors will receive onboarding information and be invited to participate in training before the new term begins in the fall.
Questions?
Please email the APS Membership team for more information, or with any questions about the Student Ambassador program.
