Nominations of Young Female Social Entrepreneurs Invited for Gladys Marinelli Coccia Awards

Youth Service America is accepting nominations for the first Gladys Marinelli Coccia Awards to recognize two young female social entrepreneurs whose initiatives serve the common good. The awards were created in memory of Gladys Coccia, who began her entrepreneurial career when she was a young girl in West Virginia and later became a very successful businesswoman in Washington, D.C.

To be eligible for the award, nominees must be between the ages of 14 and 17 on January 1, 2010; reside in the United States; have started her own social enterprise or organization; be supported by contributions of at least $1,000 (cash and/or in-kind); and have a business plan, including an itemized budget.

Special consideration will be given to nominees from West Virginia and metropolitan Washington, D.C. Self-nominations are accepted.

The award includes $2,000 for the awardee's social enterprise and travel, lodging, and registration expenses to the National Service Learning Conference in San Jose, March 24-27, 2010. The awardee will serve as a spokesperson for YSA's initiatives, will be invited to serve on the executive board of Girls Helping Girls, and will be provided access to YSA's resources to support and expand social enterprise. Program information and application are available at the YSA Web site.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP