On Tuesday, the Obama Foundation and Chicago Public Schools announced a new initiative to celebrate and honor students, schools, educators, and community partners who have made a powerful impact in their communities through civic engagement and action. As part of their shared vision to elevate the next generation of young leaders, the initiative will build upon Chicago’s rich legacy of civic engagement by establishing a recognition that exemplifies the Obama Foundation’s mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their communities, and the world, for the better.  The Obama Foundation and CPS have developed four categories for recognition that exemplify leadership in civic engagement: students who lead impactful projects in their communities, schools that foster civic learning and empower student voice, educators who go above and beyond to support the next generation of young leaders, and community organizations that serve as vital partners. The Foundation and CPS will select two recipients for each category. Applications, criteria, and information on eligibility will be available beginning January 2019, and award recipients will be recognized at an event toward the end of the school year.