FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct 17, 2012

President's Honor Roll open to all accredited institutions; deadline for consideration is November 29

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Colleges and universities with exceptional service projects have an opportunity to earn nationwide recognition as the Corporation for National and Community Service opens the application process for the 2012 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Inclusion on this list is the highest recognition these institutions can receive for community service work.

“As an agency that is involved with education at all levels, we know that incorporating service into the learning process benefits the school and the community,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of CNCS. “Universities and colleges have the ability to unite students, faculty, and the nearby residents behind initiatives that bring about positive change and transform lives. We are seeking those stories of inspiration and impact from campuses across the country.”

The President's Honor Roll, an initiative led by CNCS, recognizes accredited higher education institutions in the United States that demonstrate exemplary community service that achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities through service and service learning. The institutions selected for this distinction will be announced in early March 2013 at the American Council on Education's Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. Other partners include U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Campus Compact.

The Honor Roll aims to increase public awareness of the impact that campus service has on communities and the nation recognize institutions with high-quality service programs that demonstrate measurable results in meeting community needs encourage institutions of higher education to strengthen their commitment to service and civic engagement increase the number and impact of students in meeting community needs

CNCS is a strong partner with the nation's colleges and universities. Last year, CNCS provided more than $200 million in support to institutions of higher education, including grants to operate service programs and the Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for college tuition and student loan repayment. Through these programs, in classes, and in extracurricular activities, college students serve their communities while strengthening their academic and civic skills.

All accredited higher education institutions in the United States are eligible to apply for the Honor Roll. Three Presidential awards will be given for General Community Service. In addition, an award will be given in the following focus areas: Promise Neighborhoods Model, Innovation of Early Childhood Education, and Service that Supports Summer Learning. The President's Honor Roll is an annual program, and previous applicants must apply each year. For more information about the award, please see this fact sheet. Institutions of higher education can sign up here to receive important Honor Roll updates and reminders.

More information on award specifics and applications can be found at myproject.nationalservice.gov/honorroll. All applications for recognition for the 2011-2012 school year are due on November 29, 2012 at 5 p.m. EST.

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AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.