Nominee Category Descriptions
Educator: This award honors leaders within educational settings—including K–12 public and charter schools, community colleges, and universities—who go above and beyond to support students’ holistic needs. These individuals demonstrate a deep commitment to student success by leading, implementing, or sustaining programs that empower youth to overcome challenges and thrive. (Examples: teacher, librarian, principal, etc.)
Community Leader: This award recognizes an individual whose service and leadership have made a meaningful impact on youth in the community. Recipients identify critical needs affecting young people and take initiative to design and lead innovative, sustainable efforts that drive positive change. (Examples: nonprofit leader, advocate, volunteer, etc.)
Civil Servant: This award celebrates an elected official who demonstrates exceptional dedication to improving outcomes for youth and the broader community. Through visionary leadership and public service, this individual champions solutions to community challenges—especially those affecting young people—and inspires others to act. (Examples: school board member, legislator, PTA president, judge, etc.)
Corporation: This award honors a company that shows outstanding commitment to supporting youth through philanthropy, employee engagement, and community partnerships. Recipient organizations invest in and champion innovative programs that improve youth outcomes while demonstrating leadership in addressing community needs. (Examples: bank, healthcare system, corporation, etc.)