Important Notice:
As decided by AmeriCorps effective May 27, 2025, the President's Volunteer Service Award is on a temporary pause.
The PVSA application for SMOA volunteers will remain open so there is a record if there is a change. Please refer to the official website with any questions you have: https://presidentialserviceawards.gov/
As decided by AmeriCorps effective May 27, 2025, the President's Volunteer Service Award is on a temporary pause.
The PVSA application for SMOA volunteers will remain open so there is a record if there is a change. Please refer to the official website with any questions you have: https://presidentialserviceawards.gov/
Overview:
SMOA is a certifying organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA). The PVSA, founded by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, is a highly-respected award given out to exemplary volunteers. By being an excellent volunteer, you can earn an award and recognition for your work.
Additionally, as an organization, SMOA has its own awards which volunteers (officers and tutors) can win. To apply for any award, the volunteer must be involved with SMOA for a minimum of two months at the time of applying. There are two application cycles each year. The deadline to submit award applications for the first cycle is June 28th. The deadline to submit award applications for the second cycle is December 18th. After through evaluation, three volunteers will be selected as the winners for each award below. Winners will be announced two weeks after the application deadlines.
Outstanding Tutor Award
Awarded to SMOA tutors who display above and beyond dedication in their sessions. To be eligible, the tutor must submit a letter of recommendation from an adult (teacher, mentor, boss, coach, etc.) and must receive positive feedback from the tutee and the tutee’s parents. A member of the executive team will sit in on one tutoring session as well to evaluate the tutor's performance. The tutor must also submit a short paragraph essay outlining why they should be considered for the Outstanding Tutor Award (250-300 words).
Outstanding Officer Award
Awarded to SMOA officers who display exceptional leadership qualities in their division. Officers must show long-term dedication to furthering the goal of the organization. To be eligible, the officer must submit a letter of recommendation from an adult (teacher, mentor, boss, coach, etc.) and must receive positive feedback from the executive officer of their division. The officer must submit a short paragraph essay outlining why they should be considered for the Outstanding Officer Award (250-300 words).
Community Impact Award
Awarded to SMOA officers who spearheaded initiatives or projects that consequently led to greater community involvement (increase in tutor/tutee numbers, general positive impact on the community, etc.) To be eligible, the officer must submit a letter of recommendation from an adult (teacher, mentor, boss, coach, etc.) and must receive positive feedback from the executive officer of their division. The officer must submit a short paragraph essay outlining why they should be considered for the Community Impact Award (250-300 words).
Lifetime Achievement Award
Awarded to SMOA volunteers who have been involved with the organization for over one year and have made a lasting impact on the organization’s success. To be eligible, the volunteer must submit a short paragraph essay outlining why they should be considered for the Lifetime Achievement Award (250-300 words).
Outstanding Officer Award
Awarded to SMOA officers who display exceptional leadership qualities in their division. Officers must show long-term dedication to furthering the goal of the organization. To be eligible, the officer must submit a letter of recommendation from an adult (teacher, mentor, boss, coach, etc.) and must receive positive feedback from the executive officer of their division. The officer must submit a short paragraph essay outlining why they should be considered for the Outstanding Officer Award (250-300 words).
Community Impact Award
Awarded to SMOA officers who spearheaded initiatives or projects that consequently led to greater community involvement (increase in tutor/tutee numbers, general positive impact on the community, etc.) To be eligible, the officer must submit a letter of recommendation from an adult (teacher, mentor, boss, coach, etc.) and must receive positive feedback from the executive officer of their division. The officer must submit a short paragraph essay outlining why they should be considered for the Community Impact Award (250-300 words).
Lifetime Achievement Award
Awarded to SMOA volunteers who have been involved with the organization for over one year and have made a lasting impact on the organization’s success. To be eligible, the volunteer must submit a short paragraph essay outlining why they should be considered for the Lifetime Achievement Award (250-300 words).
