Sign in Subscribe
Youth

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Seeks Illinois' Top Youth Volunteers of 2016

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards has begun its search for Illinois' top youth volunteers of 2016. Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply if they have made significant contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. This marks the 21st year of the program, which was created in 1995 to recognize middle level and high school students for their volunteer work. Illinois' top youth volunteers of 2015 were Nicholas Tasiopoulos and Madeline Hoskins-Cumbey, who were recognized for their efforts in raising money for pancreatic cancer research and promoting healthy eating, respectively.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is a youth recognition program that honors students for their volunteer community service.
  • The program was created in 1995 and has honored over 115,000 young volunteers at the local, state, and national level over the past 20 years.
  • Students in grades 5-12 can apply for the awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months.
  • Applications are available online and must be submitted by November 3, 2015, for certification by a middle or high school principal, or other specified organizations.
  • Local Honorees will be selected in early November and will receive the President's Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama.
  • State Honorees will receive $1,000 awards, engraved silver medallions, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
  • National Honorees will receive additional awards, including $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies, and $5,000 grants for nonprofit charitable organizations.

Statistics:

  • The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards has honored over 115,000 young volunteers nationwide since its inception in 1995.
  • Applications for the 2016 awards must be submitted by November 3, 2015.
  • Local Honorees will be selected in early November.
  • State Honorees will be announced on February 9, 2016.
  • The 2016 national selection committee will name 10 National Honorees, who will receive additional awards and recognition.
  • The program is conducted in seven countries, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, and Brazil.

Sources:

  • The Prudential Financial
  • National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
  • American Red Cross
  • Girl Scouts of the USA
  • 4-H
  • YMCA
  • HandsOn Network

Read more