Important American Citizenship Award Transition
The Global Volunteer Recognition Program is phasing out our offering of the American Citizenship Award and transitioning to the new Global Student Citizenship & Service Award.
GVRP has experienced repeated difficulties obtaining American Citizenship Award merchandise from NAESP. During a direct telephone conversation, NAESP informed GVRP that official American Citizenship Award pins and medals are not expected to be available until at least January 2027.
Because these products are supplied and controlled by an outside organization, GVRP cannot reliably guarantee when physical American Citizenship Award merchandise will be available. We believe students and families deserve a recognition program that can be administered consistently, transparently, and without extended merchandise delays.
The Global Student Citizenship & Service Award is administered directly by the Global Volunteer Recognition Program and recognizes student character, citizenship, leadership, community involvement, and service. Membership is not required.
Award options include:
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Personalized digital certificate
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Personalized printed certificate
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Printed certificate and volunteer service honor cord bundle
Existing confirmed American Citizenship Award certificate orders will be fulfilled while GVRP’s remaining certificate supplies are available. Medal and pin options are no longer being offered through GVRP.
This transition applies specifically to the Global Volunteer Recognition Program’s offering of the American Citizenship Award. It should not be interpreted as an announcement that NAESP or NASSP has officially discontinued the American Citizenship Award program.
Please visit the Global Student Citizenship & Service Award page to learn about the new recognition and nomination requirements.
Now Issuing: The American Citizenship Award – Recognizing Student Leaders in Service
The Global Volunteer Recognition Program is honored to announce that we are now officially offering the American Citizenship Award (ACA) – a prestigious recognition presented by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).
This opportunity is open exclusively to student members of the Global Volunteer Recognition Program who meet the criteria. It comes at a crucial time, as many members are still waiting to receive their President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) due to the ongoing pause placed on the program by AmeriCorps.
What Is the American Citizenship Award?
The American Citizenship Award honors elementary, middle, and high school students who have shown through their words and actions that they possess the character, leadership, and civic values we strive to cultivate in every student.
According to NAESP and NASSP, the award recognizes students who:
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Participate in school and/or community service
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Show a positive attitude toward classmates, school, and community
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Display a strong understanding and appreciation of civic responsibility
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Demonstrate strength of character and the courage to do what is right
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Promote citizenship through meaningful activities and engagement
These are the same values our members bring to life every day through their volunteer service, and we are proud to recognize those efforts.
Why This Opportunity Matters Now
With the PVSA program on pause, many of our members have already completed the hours and fulfilled the requirements but have yet to receive their award. We understand how disappointing this can be, which is why we are actively advocating for the program’s reinstatement.
We’ve contacted federal, state, and local officials to make sure our community's voice is heard. In the meantime, we remain committed to ensuring that your service and leadership are celebrated starting with this exciting new award.
A Message from Our Founder, Laurel Barrett
This award opportunity was made possible by Laurel Barrett, the founder of the Global Volunteer Recognition Program. Laurel is not only a lifelong volunteer and community leader she is also a college professor who teaches high school students in an advanced college-level program.
Because she works directly with youth preparing for their next steps in education and life, Laurel knows just how important it is for young people to receive formal recognition for their community involvement. These awards help build college applications, resumes, scholarship eligibility, and confidence.
Laurel’s direct involvement with high school students led her to pursue and gain access to the American Citizenship Award, making it available now to eligible student members across the country through the Global Volunteer Recognition Program.
We’re Expanding Recognition Opportunities
The American Citizenship Award is just the beginning. We are actively working to add more recognition programs and awards as they become available. Our goal is to make sure every volunteer’s contributions are honored, even during this uncertain time with the PVSA program.
We will continue to grow our offerings and provide new ways for members to be celebrated for their work.
Important Note About Cost
Per PVSA guidelines, the President’s Volunteer Service Award remains fully funded through outside sources and will be free for members once it becomes available again.
However, due to reduced funding during the pause, we are currently asking recipients of the American Citizenship Award to cover the cost of shipping and handling. This allows us to continue providing award opportunities without placing undue financial strain on the program.
How to Qualify and Request the Award
If you are a student member of the Global Volunteer Recognition Program, have met the required volunteer service hours, and demonstrate the qualities outlined above, you may now request the American Citizenship Award.
You Are Making a Difference
We want you to know that your service, leadership, and kindness do not go unnoticed. You are shaping your schools, neighborhoods, and future and we’re proud to support and recognize you every step of the way.
As we continue to fight for the reinstatement of the PVSA, we are also opening new doors for recognition like the ACA, and more will follow.
Keep volunteering. Keep leading. And know that we are here to make sure your impact is seen, celebrated, and remembered.