The Leigh and Randy Porges Spirit Award

The Leigh and Randy Porges Spirit Award seeks to recognize two outstanding alumni who most exemplify the SEEDS mission of developing future leaders through educational opportunities. Award recipients will have this distinguished honor, as well as their academic achievements and community involvement recognized on the SEEDS website, in SEEDS publications, including eSeedlings, social media, and the SEEDS annual report.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Awards will be given to scholars exhibiting the strongest combination of academic excellence and demonstrated commitment to their communities. To be considered, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Proven academic excellence and leadership. All areas of study will be considered. Consideration will be given to cumulative/major GPA as well as the scholar’s strength of curriculum.
2. Clear evidence of the scholar’s commitment to improving his or her local or global communities. Emphasis will be placed on volunteerism, community leadership, and a demonstrated, ongoing commitment to social advocacy and change.

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate both a history of volunteerism and a strong, current commitment to volunteerism and the improvement of their community.

TO APPLY

To be considered, applicants must submit all of the following:

• A recent school transcript
• A letter detailing the below
• The extent and nature of applicants academic accomplishments and community involvement;
• The immediate benefits; experienced by the applicant’s community and school as a result of their efforts; and
• How these efforts have contributed to long-term, sustainable community advancement, and social change.
  Letters must include concrete examples of the applicant’s work in the community, citing ongoing responsibilities, past volunteer efforts, leadership roles, special projects, interactions with community members, etc.
• Additional documents highlighting any other qualifications and/or achievements (optional)

SUBMISSIONS

Please submit all application materials to [email protected].

APPLICATION DEADLINE

All documents are due no later than January 25.

AWARD ALLOCATION PROCESS

Two (2) awards valuing up to $500 each will be awarded in the form of checks to be used toward educational expenses.

SUGGESTED AWARD USAGE

SEEDS recommends that recipients use award dollars to purchase:

• Computer or laptop
• Computer software
• Study abroad scholarships
• Fees for academic programs, courses, and/or workshops
• Textbooks