St. Louis Park, Minnesota | March 4, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Service-Learning Awards Honor Outstanding Leaders in Youth Engagement and Education
The National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 National Service-Learning Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to service-learning and youth leadership. These distinguished awards celebrate individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence in using service-learning to empower young people and create lasting community impact.
The awards will be presented at the National Service-Learning Conference, held March 26-28, 2025, in St. Paul, Minnesota—the premier gathering for educators, students, and community leaders dedicated to service-learning.
This year’s honorees include:
Dr. Sue Root – Alec Dickson Servant Leader Award
Recognized for her lifelong dedication to service-learning and youth leadership, Dr. Root embodies the spirit of servant leadership by inspiring young people to take meaningful action in their communities. Her work has had a profound impact on fostering civic engagement and educational excellence.
Lori Fowler – Service-Learning Practitioner Leadership Award
A champion of service-learning in education, Lori Fowler has demonstrated exceptional leadership in integrating service-learning into curricula and empowering students to become active, engaged citizens. Her innovative practices have set a high standard for educators nationwide.
Science Nexus – Youth Leadership for Service-Learning Excellence Award
This dynamic youth-led initiative has leveraged service-learning to drive scientific literacy and environmental action. Through hands-on projects and advocacy, Science Nexus has empowered young people to tackle pressing global challenges while making a tangible difference in their communities.
“We are honored to recognize these incredible leaders and organizations who exemplify the power of service-learning to transform education and communities,” said Amy Meuers, NYLC CEO. “Their work continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of changemakers.”
About NYLC
For more than 40 years, NYLC has been a leader in inspiring youth to take action, develop leadership skills, and address real-world challenges with empathy, purpose, and a commitment to civic responsibility. Through the integration of our core pillars—service-learning, youth leadership, and youth voice—NYLC empowers students and educators to drive meaningful change. We provide innovative tools, tailored professional development, and dynamic resources that equip young leaders to make a lasting impact in their communities. The future of leadership starts here, as we work together to shape today’s youth into the changemakers of tomorrow.
Miranda Taylor
Director of Communications and External Relations
[email protected]
www.nylc.org