Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Recognize Young Volunteers' Service

Strategic Insights -

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards has been honoring outstanding young volunteers across Minnesota for 14 years, with over 1,700 students recognized for their community service, health and safety promotion, environmental protection, and leadership. This year, the awards program kicks off its 15th year, seeking to identify more young Minnesotans who have made significant contributions to their communities over the past 12 months.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program has recognized over 1,700 middle and high school students in Minnesota for their community service and volunteer activities.
  • The program, now in its 15th year, honors outstanding community service by young people in grades 5 through 12, with awards presented nationwide by Prudential Financial, Inc. in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
  • Young volunteers can apply online or by phone for the awards, which recognize their contributions to their communities and provide opportunities for further recognition and education.
  • State and national winners will receive awards, engraved silver or gold medallions, and funding for non-profit organizations they have helped through their volunteer work.
  • The program is part of a larger initiative to promote youth volunteerism and leadership, with a website and resources offering volunteer ideas, tips, and project ideas for students.
  • The Spirit of Community Awards program is the largest youth recognition program in the US based solely on community service, having honored nearly 90,000 young volunteers since its inception in 1995.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,700 students have been recognized for their community service by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program in Minnesota.
  • The program has been in operation for 14 years, with its 15th year underway.
  • The national winners will receive $1,000 awards, engraved gold medallions, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for four days of recognition events.
  • The President's Volunteer Service Award will be given to local honorees who have contributed the minimum number of volunteer hours required (50 hours for age 14 and younger, 100 hours for those older).

Sources:

  • Prudential Financial, Inc. (www.prudential.com)
  • National Association of Secondary School Principals (www.nassp.org)
  • China Weekly News via VerticalNews.com (www.verticalnews.com)
  • Points of Light Institute (www.points_of_light.org)
  • Federal Citizen Information Center (www.pueblo.gsa.gov)