Now through July 29, nominations are open for the Service-Learning Champion Award, a statewide honor given to learning institutions that go above and beyond to develop the next generation of civic-minded, socially engaged Texans.

Institutions of learning that utilize service as a key component of their academic curriculum, including K-12 public and charter schools, community colleges and universities, are eligible for the award, which is part of the 39th Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards.

Presented in conjunction with OneStar Foundation, the Governor’s Volunteer Awards honor the exemplary service of individuals and organizations that have made a significant and measurable contribution to Texas communities in the past year.

“Service learning is one of the best ways to accelerate the impact of nonprofits,” Chris Bugbee, pesident & CEO of OneStar Foundation, said. “It engages students in meaningful volunteerism that directly and immediately serves our communities while teaching them pragmatic skills that they can use in future service and leadership opportunities.”

The Edinburg High School Chapter of the National Honor Society received the Service-Learning Champion Award in 2021. EHS's National Honor Society was instrumental in setting up and preparing for drive-by distributions and handed out more than 10,000 free books to students whose families are financially challenged.

Other past awardees include:

• 2020 - Rebuild Texas Carpentry Skills Training Program at Del Mar College (Coastal Bend)
• 2019 - St. Mary’s University Office of Community Engagement, Center for Legal and Social Justice and Office of University Ministry (San Antonio)
• 2019 - Austin Community College Student Life, Food Pantry & Resources Program (Austin)
• 2018 - The University of Texas at El Paso (El Paso)
• 2017 - University of Houston SURE™ Program (Houston)
• 2016 - Texas Christian University Office for Community Engagement (Fort Worth)

Link to nomination form can be found at the website, the abbreviated URL for which is bit.ly/3Rcf8Jh.

Nominations will close July 29. Awardees will be selected for engaging in volunteer service that effectively addresses a critical need, makes a sustained positive impact on the community, and inspires others to get involved in their cause or community. Awardees will be honored at a special reception during next year’s Global Volunteer Month in April 2023. For more information, see the website, the abbreviated URL for which is bit.ly/3NOrNzk.