2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Award
If you have given generously of your time and talents as a young volunteer to make a difference in your community, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program wants to say "Thank You!!"

Maybe you raised money for an important cause, or coordinated a neighborhood clean-up. Maybe you collected food or clothing for the needy, or started a project to help disadvantaged children or senior citizens.  What ever it was, we want you to tell us about it by applying for a Prudential Spirit of Community Award.

Every middle level and high school in America, plus a number of local youth and service organizations*, may select a Local Honoree. These honorees are then eligible for statewide recognition, a $1,000 award, a silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where the top ten youth volunteers of America will be named next May. The ten National Honorees receive additional $5,000 awards, gold medallions, crystal trophies, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice. APPLICATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 31, 2008 If you want to apply, or know someone who is eligible, visit www.prudential.com/spirit or www.principals.org/prudential. Or call toll free 1-877-525-8491. * Applicants must submit applications to a school principal or to the head of one of the following officially designated local organizations: a Girl Scout council, a county 4-H organization, an American Red Cross chapter, a YMCA, or an affiliate of HandsOn Network.

National Achievement Scholarship Program

Black students may enter the 2010 National Achievement Scholarship Program when they take the 2008 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and enter the National Merit Scholarship Program. Your school will give the test one date - either Wednesday, October 15 or Saturday, October 18.

To learn about the competition, visit www.nationalmerit.org and read the 2008 PSAT/NMSQT Official Student Guide, available at your school in the fall.