Unlocking Scholarships for Young Volunteers

In a world where acts of kindness often go unnoticed, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards shine a spotlight on young changemakers who dedicate their time to improving their communities. Since 1995, this prestigious program has celebrated over 150,000 middle and high school students across the U.S., awarding millions in scholarships and inspiring a legacy of service. If you’re a student volunteer with a passion for making a difference, this could be your chance to earn recognition, scholarships, and a national platform for your cause.

In this guide, we’ll explore how the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards work, break down eligibility rules, share insider tips for crafting a winning application, and highlight the life-changing benefits of becoming a honoree. Let’s turn your volunteer efforts into opportunities!

What Are the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards?

Founded by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor students in grades 5–12 who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to volunteer service. The program aims to:

• Celebrate youth-driven initiatives that address critical community needs.
• Inspire others to engage in service through the stories of honorees.
• Provide financial support through scholarships and recognition.

Notable past winners have tackled issues like climate change, homelessness, and educational equity, proving that age is no barrier to impact.

Why Apply? Benefits of Being a Prudential Spirit of Community Honoree

Beyond the honor of recognition, the awards offer tangible rewards that can shape your future:

1. Scholarships and Prizes

• State Honorees: Receive $1,000 scholarships and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
• National Honorees: Earn $5,000scholarships,$5,000 grants for their nonprofit of choice, and a medallion at the national ceremony.
• Certificates of Excellence: All top applicants receive recognition for their service.

2. National Exposure

• Featured in local and national media, including Prudential’s platforms.
• Opportunities to network with policymakers and civic leaders during the D.C. recognition events.

3. College and Career Advantages

• Strengthen college applications with a nationally respected accolade.
• Gain access to exclusive internships, mentorship programs, and leadership summits.

4. Amplified Impact

• Use the platform to expand your project’s reach and recruit volunteers.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be in grades 5–12 at the time of nomination.
• Reside in the U.S. or a U.S. territory.
• Have engaged in a volunteer activity that occurred (at least in part) in the past 12 months.
• Not have received prior national-level Prudential awards.

Eligible Projects:

• Direct service (e.g., tutoring, organizing food drives).
• Advocacy (e.g., launching mental health awareness campaigns).
• Fundraising (e.g., raising money for disaster relief).
• Innovation (e.g., creating apps to connect volunteers with nonprofits).

Note: Projects can be individual or group efforts, but only individuals may apply.

How to Apply: The Nomination Process Explained

Step 1: Get Nominated

• School-Based Nominations: Most students are nominated by their school principal or designated staff. Contact your school counselor to express interest.
• Direct Applications: If your school doesn’t participate, apply directly via the Prudential Spirit of Community website.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

• Service Description: Detail your project’s goals, actions, and impact (500-word limit).
• Supporting Materials: Photos, news clips, or letters from beneficiaries.
• Recommendation Letter: From a non-relative adult familiar with your work.

Step 3: Submit by the Deadline

• Applications typically open in August and close in November. Confirm exact dates annually.

Step 4: Judging

• State-level judges select two honorees per grade level (5–12).
• National judges choose 10 National Honorees from the state winners.

Tips for Crafting a Winning Application

1. Focus on Impact: Quantify results (e.g., “Raised $10,000 to build a community garden feeding 200 families”).
2. Highlight Leadership: Show how you initiated, organized, or expanded the project.
3. Tell a Compelling Story: Share personal motivations or challenges overcome.
4. Proofread: Errors can undermine credibility. Ask a teacher to review your essay.
5. Apply Early: Avoid last-minute technical glitches.

Success Stories: Past Honorees Who Made Waves

• Lily Born (MN): Designed spill-proof cups for Parkinson’s patients, distributing 10,000+ globally.
• Joshua Williams (FL): Founded Joshua’s Heart Foundation at age 4, fighting hunger through 30+ food distributions.
• Anika Bhagavatula (NJ): Created coding workshops for girls, reaching 1,500+ students in underserved schools.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I apply if my project is ongoing?
A: Yes! Judges prioritize sustained efforts, even if they’re not completed.

Q: Are international students eligible?
A: Only U.S. residents or students in U.S. territories qualify.

Q: What if my school doesn’t participate?
A: Apply directly online. Prudential accepts independent submissions.

Q: Are group projects considered?
A: Yes, but only the individual applicant’s role is evaluated.

Your Roadmap to Recognition

1. Identify Your Passion: Choose a cause you genuinely care about.
2. Document Everything: Keep records of hours, funds raised, and community feedback.
3. Seek Mentorship: Partner with teachers or local nonprofits to amplify your work.
4. Apply Strategically: Align your application with judging criteria (impact, leadership, dedication).

Why Your Service Deserves Recognition

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards aren’t just about winning—they’re about validating the power of youth to drive change. As 2019 National Honoree Lillian Kay Davis said, “This award showed me that no act of service is too small. Every effort ripples outward.”