Who We Are:

The Philly Service Award is the pioneering city-wide high school competition focused on championing community service projects led by Philadelphia's promising students. We believe in the power of our youth and the transformative change they can bring to their neighborhoods.

What We Are Doing:

The Philly Service Award creates large-scale change for Philadelphia through our community service competition. We supply each participating school with a grant to fund, develop, and execute community service projects to improve the city. In addition to improving their communities, students’ projects are eligible to earn additional funding for their schools through our awards program. Participating faculty also benefit through our wish-list fulfillment program, earning up to $1,000 for non-project-related supplies to serve their classrooms. This initiative drives over 100 student-inspired and executed city-wide projects annually, bringing measurable improvements to the lives of Philadelphians. 

Why We Are Doing This:

Philadelphia is not just a city; it's a community of potential and promise. Our students and faculty embody this promise and potential, and we aim to uplift their shared aspirations to cultivate and enhance their communities. By investing in our youth and their visions, we disrupt the prevailing narrative of negativity and spotlight the possibilities of positive action. The Philly Service Award is a testament to what's possible when we trust and equip our students to be the drivers of change in Philadelphia.

Our Process

Benefits

Student Benefits

  • Unique educational and cultural student experiences

  • Letter of recommendation for all participating students

  • Earned skills: entrepreneurship, creativity, leadership, etc. 

  • Strong addition to resume 

  • Corporate connections

  • Lead and execute a funded project from start to finish

  • Standout among classmates

Faculty Benefits

  • Wish-list fulfillment funding through benchmark goals ($1,000 of supplies per school)

  • Teachable leadership moments with students through the utilization of $1,000 grant for community service

  • Up to $100.00 stipend available through grant funds

  • Networking and recognition benefits through two in-person events

  • Additional prizes if selected for a Philly Service Award at the end of the academic year

  • Highlighted in their school and community for their contributions

  • Press opportunities through project execution

City Benefits

Annually, the Philly Service Award creates large-scale change for Philadelphia by funding and facilitating over 100 student-led and developed community service projects, improving the lives of residents and encouraging engagement among all stakeholders. We are highlighting positive action among young people and showing what is possible when you put the power of change in the hands of students.