Award for Young Female Social Entrepreneurs

Posted by on December 7, 2009

Nominate a Young Female Social Entrepreneur for the Gladys Marinelli Coccia Awards
Deadline: January 15, 2010

Youth Service America is currently accepting nominations for the first Gladys Marinelli Coccia Awards to recognize two young female social entrepreneurs, ages 14 to 17, whose initiatives serve the common good. The awards are created in memory of Gladys Coccia, who began her entrepreneurial career when she was a young girl in West Virginia and later became a very successful businesswoman in Washington, DC. Nominations from across the country are welcome; special consideration will be given to nominees from West Virginia and metropolitan Washington, DC. Self-nominations are accepted. The deadline to submit an online nomination is January 15, 2010.

Eligibility
Social entrepreneurs apply business practices to achieve positive social change and measure their success through their social impact. They find innovative and sustainable ways to address pressing issues. Ambitious and persistent, they grapple with important causes and offer new alternatives that enhance the community. Social entrepreneurs change the system, spread solutions, and persuade others to change their actions. With a sound application of business principles, social entrepreneurs have a sustainable impact on their community: their influence contributes to a healthy, productive, meaningful life for others, both present and future.

Girls who meet the following criteria are eligible for the award:

* Between the ages of 14 and 17 on January 1, 2010.
* Located in the United States. (Special consideration will be given to nominees located in West Virginia and Metro Washington DC.)
* Have started her own social enterprise or organization.
* Be supported by contributions of at least $1000 (cash and/or in-kind).Have a business plan, including an itemized budget.

The Award includes:

*      $2000 for the social enterprise
*      Travel, lodging, and and registration to National Service-Learning Conference in San Jose, CA – March 24-27, 2010.
*      Serve as a spokesperson for YSA’s initiatives
*      Invitation to serve on the executive board of Girls Helping Girls
*      Access to YSA’s resources to support and expand social enterprise

Learn more and access the application at:
http://ysa.org/grants/announcements/coccia-award