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 scholarship opportunities.
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.
Disabled American Veteran Volunteer Scholarship: Jesse Brown Memorial Scholarship with awards up to $20,000. Open to student under 21 who volunteer a minimum of 100 hours at a VA Medical Center the previous year. Students may enter the scholarship with a self nomination and the completion of a 750 word essay.
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.
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.
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