What are the Jefferson Awards? The Jefferson Awards are a prestigious national recognition system honoring community and public service in America. The Jefferson Awards are presented on two levels: national and local. They began in 1972 to create a Nobel Prize for public service. Today, their primary purpose is to serve as a "Call to Action for Volunteers" in local communities.
Why are the Awards named after Thomas Jefferson? The Board felt that Thomas Jefferson best reflected the spirit of excellence in America — author of the Declaration of Independence, President of the United States, advocate for education as the strength of our democracy and founder of the University of Virginia, and advocate for a free press and freedom of religion.
What is the Mission of the Jefferson Awards? The mission of the Jefferson Awards is to encourage and honor individuals for their achievements and contributions through public and community service. Through our Media Partners we seek to inspire volunteering in local communities. Through our Champions, we seek to energize volunteering in the workplace. Through our Youth Service Initiative, we seek to double volunteering in high schools.