Several national scholarships are open to teen community leaders. These scholarships reward young people who have taken initiative to address problems in their communities. Students recognized have often devoted thousands of volunteer hours to serving others and raising money for charitable causes. If your teen has a commitment to community service encourage them to investigate these scholarships.
College Community Service Awards
Many colleges also offer community service scholarships for entering students. Some are one time scholarship awards, others continue all four years of college and may include a leadership or service component during college as well. Here are a couple of examples of the types of these types of awards:
Drew Civic Scholars: Drew University in Madison, New Jersey supports students who have engaged in community service through its $5,000 a year scholarship, renewable for four years. Students enrolled in the Drew Civic Scholars complete 100 hours of community service each year and participate in workshops and special campus programs.
St. Lawrence University Community Service Scholarship: St. Lawrence in Canton, New York offers a $40,000 scholarship ($10,000 per college year) for students with a strong history of community service and leadership. Students complete an essay detailing their community service involvement. St. Lawrence is looking for students who will be active in their campus community.
Awards from Foundations and Businesses
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards: This program recognizes local, state, and national winners with awards including certificates, scholarships, paid travel to a national ceremony, and a grand award of $5,000 scholarship and a $5,000 donation for the charitable organization of the student’s choice. Past winners have chosen a wide variety of projects including tutoring, feeding the hungry, taking care of animals, supporting the military, and providing support to people affected by natural disasters.
Christopher Reeve Heart of America Award: A $1,000 scholarships presented each year to an “extraordinary youth who has demonstrated tremendous compassion and caring in serving his or her community.”
Kohl’s Cares Award: Recognizes students at the store, regional, and national level. Regional winners receive $1,000. National winners receive a $10,000 scholarship and $1,000 for the charity of their choice. Over $450,000 awarded last year.
AXA Achievement Scholarship: 52 winners receive $10,000 scholarships. Characteristics of winning students include: “ambition and drive, determination to set and reach goals, respect for self, family, and community, and ability to succeed in college.” Previous winners have been involved in wide ranging community service programs including clean water for developing countries, literacy programs, and anti-bullying campaigns.
Lowe’s Scholarship: Open to seniors with a minimum of a 2.5 grade point average. $2,500 is awarded to 140 high school seniors. The award is looking for students who “demonstrate a history of commitment to their community through leadership activities, community service and/or work experience.”
Gloria Barron Prize: Founded by author T. A. Barron, this award recognizes 25 young people each year who have been involved in improving their communities. Students are awarded $2,500 for their higher education or to be donated to support charity.
