Discover current update on the Prudential Spirit of Community Award Scholarship, a way of celebrating youth excellence in service. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is a prestigious recognition program designed to honor middle and high school students who have exhibited exceptional, self-initiated community service.
Sponsored by The Prudential Insurance Company of America and administered by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), this program aims to applaud the outstanding contributions of young individuals across the United States.
Read Also: Build Your Future with Google in 2024 Opportunities
How Does Prudential Spirit of Community Award Scholarship Work?
The process begins with applications being solicited each fall through more than 35,000 public and private middle-level and high schools nationwide. Local honorees are selected at participating schools in November, and from this pool, two outstanding individuals are chosen in each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
The culmination of the program involves the selection of 10 National Honorees by a panel of prominent judges, with a special recognition ceremony held in Washington, D.C., in May.
Qualifications for Application
To apply for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Scholarship:
- Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, being between 11 to 18 years old or in grades 5 through 12 at the time of the application deadline. Note that certain individuals, such as employees of NASSP, Prudential, and participating firms, are ineligible.
- Application Process: Complete the application by describing an individual community service activity or significant leadership in a group activity that occurred during the previous year. The application must be submitted to your school principal by the specified deadline, usually October 30 each year.
- Recognition Levels:
- School Honorees: Receive a certificate of recognition from their schools.
- State Honorees: If selected, you’ll receive a $1,000 award, a silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for a national recognition event.
- National Honorees: If chosen among the top 10, you’ll receive an additional award of $5,000, a gold medallion, and a trophy for your school.
- Selection Process: Local honorees are initially chosen at participating schools, followed by the selection of two top individuals in each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The final step involves the selection of 10 National Honorees by a panel of judges, with a special recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C., in May.
- Visit the Website: For more detailed information and updates, visit The Prudential website at www.prudential.com.
What Do Honorees Win?
- School Honorees: Certificate of recognition from their schools.
- State Honorees: $1,000 award, a silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for a national recognition event.
- National Honorees: An additional award of $5,000, a gold medallion, and a trophy for their schools.
Spotlight on 1997 New Jersey Honorees
James Calister
At the age of 17, James Calister from Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey, recognized the need for promoting acceptance and racial harmony in a changing community.
He actively fought against racism, joined the Racial Balance Task Force, and won the election for Student Council President. James dedicated his free time to coordinating community and school-wide events, fostering diversity and positive relations within the community.
Brett Newton
Inspired by his battle with cancer, 13-year-old Brett Newton from Long Valley Middle School in Long Valley, New Jersey, decided to help other children by performing in an educational video produced by Overlook Hospital.
Brett also participated in a benefit show that raised $700,000 for the Hole In the Wall Camp, an organization supporting children diagnosed with cancer. Despite his illness, Brett showcased his acting talent alongside celebrities like Julia Roberts, Carole King, and Paul Newman.
Distinguished Finalists
- Lilianne Cooper (17): Academy of the Holy Angels, Demarest. Started “Happy…To You” program providing birthday and holiday cards to special-needs kids.
- Andrew Slifko (16): Rancocas Valley Regional High School, Mount Holly. Trains seeing-eye dogs for the blind through the Seeing Eye program.
- Jamie Garbacki-Cattanese (10): Pequannock Valley Middle School, Pompton Plains. Brought daily dinners to neighbors suffering from leukemia.
- AshLee Drozd (12): Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School, Bridgewater. Founded “Helping Paws” to collect and recycle aluminum cans for the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter’s medical fund.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Scholarship FAQs Answered
Q1: Who is eligible for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Scholarship?
A1: The scholarship is available to individuals aged 11 to 18 years old or in grades 5 through 12 at the application deadline. However, certain individuals, such as employees of NASSP, Prudential, and participating firms, and their children, are ineligible.
Q2: What is the application process for the scholarship?
A2: To apply, individuals must complete the application by describing an individual community service activity or significant leadership in a group activity from the previous year. The application must be submitted to the school principal by the specified deadline, usually October 30 each year.
Q3: What recognition levels come with The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards?
A3: There are three recognition levels:
- School Honorees: Receive a certificate of recognition from their schools.
- State Honorees: If selected, receive a $1,000 award, a silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for a national recognition event.
- National Honorees: If chosen among the top 10, receive an additional award of $5,000, a gold medallion, and a trophy for their school.
Q4: How is the selection process carried out?
A4: Applications are initially solicited through more than 35,000 public and private middle-level and high schools nationwide. Local honorees are selected at participating schools, and from these winners, two top individuals are chosen in each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The final step involves the selection of 10 National Honorees by a panel of judges, with a special recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C., in May.
Q5: Where can I find more information and updates about The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Scholarship?
A5: For detailed information and updates, visit The Prudential website at www.prudential.com.
