Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of South Florida Inc. (RPCVSF) is committed to building a better South Florida by encouraging a new generation of informed and engaged citizens. These awards celebrate and recognize K-12 and higher education teachers who create educational experiences that intentionally prepare students for informed, engaged participation in their communities’ civic and democratic life by providing opportunities to develop civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions through learning and practice.
We believe that this type of changemaking education sparks a sense of agency in students and provides real-life opportunities to understand problems and practice creating positive social and/or environmental change. This type of teaching and learning increases student empowerment, commitment to meaningful civic engagement, while building a better South Florida/global community and creating a new generation of changemakers.
This award, formerly known as the “Spirit of Service-Learning Awards," recognizes educators who address one or more of the following civic learning elements, with a focus on actively engaging with the community:
1) Learning from others, self, & environment to develop informed perspectives on social, civic, and/or environmental issues
2) Recognizing & appreciating human diversity & commonality
3) Behaving, & working through controversy, with civility
4) Taking an active role in the political process
5) Participating actively in public life, public problem solving, & service
6) Assuming leadership & membership roles in organizations
7) Developing empathy, ethics, values, and sense of social responsibility
8) Promoting social justice locally and globally
RPCVSF, in partnership with co-sponsors the Miami-Dade County Teacher of the Year Coalition and the Armando Alejandre Jr. Memorial Foundation, recognize and honor K-12 and college/university educators each year for contributing to the integration of changemaking education into the curriculum and for making a commitment to connect students through civic learning and service to help meet critical needs in the South Florida and/or global community.
Cash awards are given to educators whose programs exemplify changemaking education. To apply or nominate, please read the general overview and then follow the specific guidelines for K-12 and Higher Education. For more information, contact Josh Young (RPCV Mali 1984-86, Paraguay 1988-1990) at joshyoung590@gmail.com.
Higher Education Nomination Form 2024.docx
K-12 Award Description and Nomination Form 2024-3.pdf
2023 Changemaking Education Awards Program.pdf
2022 Honoree Summaries.pdf
2019 Spirit of Service Learning Winners and Honorees.pdf
2018 Award Winners and Finalists.pdf
2016 Award Winners and Finalists.pdf
2015 Award Winners and Finalists
2014 Award Winners and Finalists