O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club - Arizona Community Service Awards

Arizona High Schoolers: Are you a volunteer in your community?

Your service could earn you $500!

The O’Connor Institute is recognizing Arizona high school students who are giving back to their communities.

If you’re already an O’Connor Institute Ambassador -- or ready to join our free, extracurricular online club and become one -- share your service story, and you could be one of 25 Arizona students selected to receive a $500 award this fall!

Award winners will also be invited to gather for a recognition ceremony celebrating their service, leadership, and impact across Arizona.

Award Details:

  • Award amount: $500
  • Number of recipients: 15 Arizona students selected
  • Eligibility: Current O’Connor Institute Ambassadors in grades 9-12 during the 2026-27 school year who attend high school in Arizona or participate as part of the Arizona Ambassadors cohort
  • Community Service timeframe: January 1, 2026 - September 30, 2026
A round logo with a gold silhouette in the center, encircled by the words "O'Connor Institute Ambassadors" and "The Citizen" in black capital letters on a white background.

Apply in three easy steps!

A person standing on a ladder paints the trim of a house’s gable roof, embodying the spirit of Arizona Community Service Awards. They wear shorts, a long-sleeve shirt, and a cap, with painting supplies beside them on the ladder.

Step 1 — Be an O’Connor Institute Ambassador - Free and Online!

Not yet a member? Join the O'Connor Institute Ambassadors Online Civics & Debate Club before submitting your service story.

Step 2 — Share Your Community Service Story

Serve your community in any meaningful way: volunteering, organizing, advocating, or supporting a cause or organization that matters to you. Tell us how many hours you served, where you served, and how your service benefited your school, neighborhood, town, city, or community. Your story is what sets your submission apart.

Step 3 — Celebrate Your Impact!

15 Ambassadors will be selected to receive a $500 award based on their service and the stories they share. Winners will be announced on December 1, 2026.

Share Your Story!

Are You Eligible?

To be considered for a Community Service Award, students must:

  • Be enrolled in grades 9-12 during the 2026-27 school year
  • Attend high school in Arizona or participate as part of the Arizona Ambassadors cohort
  • Be a registered member of the O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Online Civics & Debate Club
  • Complete community service hours between January 1, 2026, and September 30, 2026
  • Submit a service story describing their experience
As seen from above, several people—recipients of the Arizona Community Service Awards—pack boxes with clothing, bottled drinks, canned food, apples, and other supplies, reaching in and passing items to each other.
A smiling volunteer in a white shirt holds a cardboard box labeled "DONATION." Another person and food items are visible in the background, reflecting the spirit of giving celebrated by the Arizona Community Service Awards.

Need ideas?

Consider the many places to lend a hand and volunteer:

  • Animal Shelter
  • Arts & Cultural Organizations
  • Faith-based Organizations
  • Food Bank
  • Hospitals
  • Local School
  • Political Campaign
  • Public Library
  • Senior Citizens Center
  • Sports Programs
  • Shelter Services

Want to become an Ambassador?

Join Here!

Questions:

For more information about the Community Service Awards or the Ambassadors program, visit the O'Connor Institute Ambassadors Online Civics & Debate Club or contact us at oa@oconnorinstitute.org.