Grinnell College is inviting nominations for 2012 Young Innovator for Social Justice Prize. This prize is offered by the college to honour individuals who have shown leadership in their fields and have creative ideas for bringing positive changes in the society. This prize also celebrates the historic and future commitment of Grinnell College to positive social change.
Each prize carries an award of $100,000, half to the winning individual(s) and half to an organization committed to the winner’s area of social justice, for a total of up to $300,000 in prize awards.
2012 Prize Criteria
Up to three $100,000 prizes will be presented to individuals under the age of 40 who show creativity, commitment, and extraordinary accomplishment in effecting positive social change. Half of the monetary prize will be given to the recipient (or shared between two recipients, in case of a shared prize) and half will be contributed to an organization committed to the winner’s area of social justice.
Nominees may be nationals of any country; no affiliation to Grinnell College is required. The program encourages a global and diverse pool of candidates.
The record of the individual’s achievement to date will be key to the selection committee’s appraisal; promise for ongoing advancement of his/her work will also be considered. In keeping with the history of Grinnell College, recipients will be individuals who have advanced social issues in ways that embody the values of a liberal arts education and collaborative leadership. Areas of accomplishment may include, but are certainly not limited to: Art, Science, Medicine, the Environment, Humanities, Business, Economics, Law, Public Policy, Social Services, Religion, Ethics, and projects which cross these boundaries.
Eligible nominees must:
- Not have turned 40 by January 1, 2012;
- Have an exceptional record of substantive, innovative contributions within their chosen field that have enabled them to become a force for social justice;
- Through their actions, embody the Grinnell College ideal of using their knowledge and their abilities to serve the common good;
- Demonstrate the essence of Grinnell College’s broad liberal arts education through critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and free inquiry;
- Not be widely known outside their immediate community or field;
- Be nominated by a third party;
- If chosen as a winner and along with their chosen organization, be verified and validated by Grinnell College;
- Participate in an on-campus symposium and awards ceremony, and explore other opportunities to engage the Grinnell and wider community;
- Have sufficient English fluency to facilitate participation and community engagement
Note
Winners will be announced early fall semester, 2012. Grinnell College reserves the right to modify the number of prizes awarded annually based on, but not limited to, the quality of nominations and financial considerations. The College also reserves the right to modify the criteria, requirements, and procedures as it deems necessary.
Deadline: 14 November 2011
For more information and details, you can visit this link.
