Who We Are:

The Philly Service Award is the first city-wide community service competition open to groups of students representing all of Philadelphia’s high schools. We are on a mission to inspire a lifelong commitment to service while putting the power of transformative change into the hands of young people.

What We Are Doing:

The Philly Service Award drives thousands of hours of volunteerism and impactful service work developed and executed by Philadelphia's exceptional students. Our work proudly supports impactful community service, stronger schools, and enhanced classroom experiences. Our community service competition puts funding in the hands of each participating school so their students can carry out service projects that improve Philly in the ways that matter most to them. Our Impact Awards program allows school groups to enter their projects for evaluation and the opportunity to earn up to an additional $20,000 to invest in their schools and students! Lastly, we are building stronger classrooms through our faculty wish-list program. Faculty advisors can redeem $1,000 per school for non-project-related supplies to support their instruction and classrooms.

Why We Are Doing This:

The Philly Service Award asks what happens when you let students decide how to support their neighborhoods and heighten their communities. The result is enthusiastic engagement that creates a passion for service, a commitment to civic leadership, and the next generation of changemakers for Philadelphia. By removing the financial barriers to their visions for a better Philly, students are motivated and ready to make a difference, leaving a legacy that tells a new story about our city's young people. 

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 

  • Lead and execute a funded project to change their neighborhoods and communities

  • Standout among classmates

  • Additional prizes if selected for an Impact Award at the end of the academic year

  • Opportunity to leave a legacy at their school

Faculty Benefits

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

  • Up to $100.00 stipend available through grant funds

  • Networking and recognition benefits through two in-person events

  • Additional prizes if selected for an Impact Award at the end of the academic year

  • Highlighted in their school and community for their contributions