The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes announces that it is doubling the award amount, from $5,000 to $10,000 per winner.
Established in 2001 by author T.A. Barron, the Barron Prize annually honors 25 outstanding young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive impact on people, their communities, or the environment. The top winners each receive a monetary award to support their service work or higher education.
A lifetime champion of youth, T.A. Barron believes that “no one is too young to do something helpful. Every one of us can make a difference.”
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes celebrates social entrepreneurship spearheaded by young people from diverse backgrounds across North America.
In 2017, Anna-Maria Beck, 18, of Louisville, was an award recipient.
Beck has raised more than $400,000 for pediatric cancer care and research while persevering through her own cancer treatments for an inoperable brain tumor.
Diagnosed at age 7, she has endured twelve brain surgeries and nine rounds of chemotherapy. At age 8, she decided to use her love of baking to help other kids facing cancer and raised $8,000 at her first bake sale.
She donated the funds to the pediatric cancer clinic at the hospital where she receives treatment. Since then, she has spoken at fundraising events to help the hospital raise $250,000 and has lobbied Congress to allow pediatric patients to cross state lines for specialized care.
Most recently, Beck worked for months to organize a dance marathon at her school attended by 400 students — half the student body – that raised $25,000 for pediatric cancer. research.
“Volunteering has changed my cancer outlook and therefore, my life,” said Beck. “I encourage everyone to find their passion and work for something they truly believe in.”
Since its inception, the Barron Prize has recognized 417 young leaders and has won the support of the National Geographic Education Foundation, Girl Scouts of the USA, and National Youth Leadership Council, among other organizations.
The competition is open to eligible youths in the United States and Canada.
Applications for the Barron Prize are accepted online only and are due by April 15. The winners will be announced in September.
For more details and to apply, click here.
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
