Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Recognize Outstanding Youth Volunteerism

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor outstanding middle and high school youth who have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service. Over the past 10 years, the program has recognized over 60,000 young people for their dedication to helping the less fortunate, promoting health and safety, protecting the environment, and serving their communities. The awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, have drawn over 20,000 applications each year for the past five years.

Key Takeaways:

• The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards have recognized over 60,000 middle and high school youth for their volunteer service over the past 10 years.
• The program has grown steadily, with over 20,000 applications submitted each year for the past five years.
• Local Honorees receive Certificates of Achievement, while State Honorees are awarded $1,000, engraved silver medallions, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
• Ten National Honorees are selected from State Honorees and receive additional awards, including $5,000, gold medallions, and $5,000 grants for nonprofit, charitable organizations.
• The program is part of a broader youth-service initiative by Prudential, which includes a youth leadership training program, a booklet of volunteer ideas, and a website featuring profiles of outstanding youth volunteers.
• NASSP, the program's partner, provides professional resources to middle and high school principals and promotes the intellectual growth, academic achievement, and character development of youth.

Statistics:

• Over 60,000 middle and high school youth have been recognized through the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards over the past 10 years.
• The program has drawn over 100,000 applications in the past 10 years, with over 20,000 submitted each year for the past five years.
• Of the 102 State Honorees, 10 are selected as National Honorees each year.
• The program has been conducted in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan in addition to the United States.
• Prudential Financial companies serve individual and institutional customers worldwide, offering a variety of products and services.

Sources:

• Washington Post, September 6 (no date specified)
• National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
• Prudential Financial Inc. (no date specified)
• Prudential Spirit of Community Awards website
• Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network