The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is a nationwide program that honors young people in grades five to twelve who are volunteering in their communities.

The program’s goals are to applaud young people who already are making a positive difference in their towns and neighborhoods, and to inspire others to think about how they might contribute to their communities. Youth who have engaged in a volunteer activity that occurred during the 12 months prior to the date of application are eligible to apply.

Local Honorees are selected in late fall and from those winners two State Honorees (one middle level school student and one high school student) are chosen in each state and the District of Columbia. State Honorees receive an award of $1,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC, for national recognition events. Out of the State Honorees, ten National Honorees are selected to receive an additional award of $5,000 as well as a $5,000 grant for a nonprofit organization of their choice.

The application deadline is November 7, 2017.