The YouthLaunch Scholarship for Outstanding Service

* * The application for the 2010 YouthLaunch Scholarship for Outstanding Service is now available * *

In 2009, YouthLaunch awarded the YouthLaunch Scholarship for Outstanding Service to youth who have shown a unique level of commitment to service projects in their community. Three high school seniors or recently graduated seniors are recognized annually for their outstanding leadership and service with a one-time award of $3,000. YouthLaunch created the scholarship program in 2001 to raise the profile of youth service and to honor young leaders who are making a difference in their community. Last year's recipients demonstrated their leadership and passion for serving others through a variety of projects including organizing a home building project in Juarez, Mexico, developing a high school guide to ease the transition of students displaced by Hurricane Katrina, and providing one-on-one care to severely handicapped children at a summer camp.

Here's what some of our past recipients have said about their experiences:

"It felt good that people appreciated the few things I have done...It also re-ignited my fire to continue to serve my community in the years to come." --Ainsley Stromberg, 2004

"While society can lure us into more self-serving actions, organizations like YouthLaunch, by rewarding selfless service, redirects our true purpose in life." --Zachary Noblitt, 2005

"Although at times it may be challenging, service relaxes my worries, lightens my spirit, and makes me feel like a valuable citizen." --Chloe Zachary, 2008

"Service is putting aside all your engagements, problems and desires, and working hard to make someone else's life better." --Meg Churchman, 2008

"I remind myself of all the people depending on me, even if it includes all the people I still haven't met." --Ashley Corona, 2008