CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- A group of teenagers from Friendship Court has served the community as the Youth JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) and Climate Justice Ambassadors this summer.

The JEDI had the opportunity to use their voices, with the help of the Piedmont Housing Alliance and Community Climate Collaborative, to help make improvements to the community.

The goal was to gather data on the main issues the community faces by doing research and surveys.

"The point is to gather data and information, mainly suggestions on thoughts or issues that we have not yet addressed, and we will take those and basically be the voice for the people," said Asadullah, JEDI Ambassador.

After three weeks of gathering information, one of the main issues that came up the most was transportation, specifically bus routes. One of the causes involves not having enough bus stops in the area.

People have to rely on walking to get to where they need to go.

"Some people have to walk, 10 minutes or 15 minutes just to get to the bus stop, and if you had groceries or anything like that, it is not the best option for you," said Asadullah.

It is also an issue regarding transportation for Charlottesville City Schools.

"They've also been passionate about the issues within the Charlottesville City Schools' system, so that relates to buses, school lunches, the infrastructure of the schools," said Tori Carter-Johnston, with PHA.

One of the biggest issues is the bus driver shortage, which means some students have to commute daily

because there is a lack of bus drivers in the area, and kids have to walk to school.

One of the ideas the JEDI Ambassadors have is to see if students could ride the public bus to a closer location rather than walk a long distance.

Carter-Johnston says the efforts of these young people make her proud of the community she called home.

"It makes my heart very happy. These kids make me proud every day," she said. "They are so passionate. They have so many ideas within them and being from Charlottesville, I grew up here my whole life and I didn't see very many programs like this."

Asadullah says he also wants to stand as an example for others in the community.

"That's the thing I would like to point out is I really want the youth and teenagers to speak up for themselves and for their peers and don't think that it's not time yet," he said.

The JEDI Ambassadors will continue to make an effort to push for more improvements in the local area.