CITY OF BOWLING GREEN LAUNCHES DOWNTOWN AMBASSADOR ACADEMY

Published:

September 18, 2025

Category:

Downtown Development Division

Contact:

Telia Butler - 270-393-3617

Location:

Bowling Green, KY

A new leadership and community-driven program connects WKU students with Downtown BG.

Bowling Green, Ky. – September 18, 2025 – Today, the City of Bowling Green is launching the Downtown BGKY Ambassador Academy, a free program connecting WKU students with leadership, community service, and professional development opportunities in Downtown.

The academy offers monthly sessions featuring nonprofits, arts and entertainment, civic engagement with government services, business and economic development, and leadership. Students will meet community leaders, gain hands-on experience at Downtown venues and events, and complete a capstone project benefiting Downtown.

Modeled after City programs like the Academy for New Americans and Over 50 Citizens Academy, the initiative also partners with the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown businesses, and local attractions. Its goal is to strengthen “Down(town) to Gown” connections, encouraging WKU graduates to build careers and their next life chapters locally, creating a growing alumni network of engaged young leaders.

The program is offered to WKU sophomores, juniors, and seniors. It features:

-Monthly half-day sessions from October 2025 - April 2026 meeting at Downtown venues

-Themed focus areas: local nonprofits, arts and entertainment, civic engagement with local government services, economic development, and career leadership

-A culminating capstone service project and graduation event in April 2026

-A cohort of up to 25 WKU students representing diverse majors and leadership interests

Applications open today, Thursday, September 18, 2025, and will close on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 11:59 PM CST. Selected students will be notified on Thursday, October 9.

Students interested in applying and learning more about this excellent resume-builder and community-shaper can access the online application here or via the pinned post on the @downtownbgky Facebook and Instagram pages. For details, please contact Telia Butler, Downtown Development Coordinator, City of Bowling Green, at telia.butler@bgky.org.