NYLC and its partners present a number of awards honoring youth and adults for their commitment to education, service, community, and service-learning. Each year the attendees honor award recipients by planting a tree at a park or playground in the host city. Please join us for this longstanding tradition.
Service-Learning Practitioner Leadership Award and Youth Leadership for Service-Learning Excellence Award
The Service-Learning Practitioner Leadership Award recognizes those who have equipped young people to lead and serve, both through their direct work with youth and by nurturing other practitioners. Nominations are accepted from the general public, and a committee of leaders from the service-learning field selects the winners.
The Youth Leadership for Service-Learning Excellence Award recognizes service-learning programs and projects that demonstrate outstanding youth leadership. The award focuses on projects showing a high level of youth initiative in all areas including identifying an authentic need, planning the service, and putting that plan into action. Teams of young people participating in service-learning projects can apply.
Alec Dickson Servant Leader Award
NYLC's Alec Dickson Servant Leader Award honors exemplary leaders who, by example, have inspired the service-learning field, had a positive impact on the lives of young people, and motivated others to take up the banner of service. The annual award is named for British humanitarian Alec Dickson (1914-94), whose vision, innovation, and commitment inspired so many individuals to lead lives of service. His legacy continues to influence young people, teachers, agencies, schools, and communities.
G. Bernard Gill Urban Service-Learning Leadership Award
This award honors individuals who, by example, have played a leadership role in urban schools, communities, and the lives of young people. Bernard Gill, a beloved NYLC staff member, was a pioneering leader in the urban service-learning movement. He organized the first and successive National Urban Service-Learning Institutes and was passionate about the engagement of African-American males and the impact service-learning could make on their lives.
Stellar Award
The Stellar Award honors the late Stella Raudenbush, who was a spirited pioneer in the service-learning field. Her 30-year career as a community activist, teacher, and spiritual seeker incorporated her passions for children, social justice, community, diversity, urban education, and elders.