Spirit of Youth is now accepting nominations to recognize outstanding Alaska youth, ages 12–19, from across the state.
Donor Name: Spirit of Youth
State: Alaska
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes
Deadline: 12/31/2025
Size of the Grant: Not Available
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Award Categories
- Humanitarian Award
- The Humanitarian Award recognizes youth who have put forth efforts to make their community a better place or are active in local or state government. Previous nominees have contributed to political campaigns, been strong advocates for change, served on school boards and youth courts, or have organized fundraisers, designed playgrounds, repaired homes, and otherwise helped others in need.
- Innovator Award
- The Innovator Award shines the spotlight on the efforts of youth who have shown excellence in the fields of math and science through research, study, technology for improvement in their community. Previous nominees include youth who studied DNA, created a community planet walk, participated in robotics programs, and conducted earthquake research.
- Life-Saver Award
- The Lifesaver Award celebrates youth who have gone above and beyond “the call of duty” by preventing injuries and illness and saving lives. Previous nominees have shown courage by pulling hypothermic tourists out of a raging river, taught life-saving skills, conducted seat belt safety programs, worked toward suicide prevention, promoted mental health and wellness, and served as first responders.
- Phoenix Award
- The Phoenix Award celebrates youth who display exceptional determination and perseverance as they overcome significant life challenges. Previous nominees have blazed trails for adaptive sports and access, experienced significant loss and have helped others going through similar hardships, they have found ways around language or cultural barriers, and have assisted family members or the community address difficult circumstances.
- Visionary Award
- The Visionary Award recognizes youth who have turned their creativity and knowledge into an entrepreneurial or economic venture. Previous nominees have started their own non-profit organizations, raised significant funding for a cause, or even started their own for-profit businesses. Teens have owned coffee shops, started a maker business, and operated delivery services.
- Dreamer Award
- The Dreamer Award recognizes youth who are actively engaging in their community through the preservation of cultural practices and arts, those who share personal expression through visual or performing arts, and those who cultivate youth voice through media and digital art forms. Previous nominees include students who have worked on radio programs and local newspapers, organized musical ensembles, and taught Indigenous arts and dance.
- Role-Model Award
- Teens nominated for the Role-Model Award lend a helping hand to peers and younger youth in their community. These teens can be outstanding leaders, peer counselors, or a positive assistant in the classroom. Previous nominees have included tutors, mentors, or instructors in a variety of fields. These teens build assets in themselves and their friends.
- Discovery Award
- The Discovery Award highlights accomplishments made by youth in science with a specific focus on the environment. Previous nominees include teens engaging in environmental advocacy, been involved in restoration and conservation projects, worked to address food security, invasive species eradication, and the reduction and removal of plastics from their schools and communities.
Who is eligible?
- Nominations can come from anyone who wishes to recognize a hard-working Alaska teenager. Nominations can be made in one of 8 categories. Recommendations often come from school staff and board members; youth clubs and organizations; the business community or other teenagers. Any community member inspired by a teen’s efforts can submit a nomination.
- The Spirit of Youth Teen Advisory Council has created 8 categories for nominations and recognition. Council members use these definitions and the following criteria to evaluate each nomination:
- Nomination describes a youth-initiated or youth-led project.
- Nomination highlights individuals or groups who are organizing and leading unique activities or projects that typically don’t get noticed.
- Nomination describes youth who help others and improve the quality of life in the community.
For more information, visit Spirit of Youth.
