Peter Chortek Leadership Award

Purpose: Recognizes Jewish high school students in San Diego who are making a difference in their community through innovative leadership and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) projects.

Award History: Established in 2011 by the Chortek Family to honor the late Peter Chortek z"l. A total of 28 awards have been presented to date as of 2022.

Geographic Scope: San Diego County, California

Focus Areas:

• Jewish communal involvement
• Tikkun Olam projects (repairing the world)
• Community service and leadership
• Social justice programs
• Innovative projects benefiting neighborhoods, communities, environment, or the world
• Jewish education and continuity

Eligibility Requirements:
1. Currently enrolled in high school at the time of application
2. Have organized and led an extraordinary Tikkun Olam project that has benefited their neighborhood, community, environment, or world
3. Demonstrate initiative, passion, and positive spirit - inspiring others to make a difference and creating awareness about their issue, cause, or project
4. Have been involved with their project for at least one year before submitting an application
5. Show long-term vision for growth and sustainability of their work

Award Includes:

• $5,400 stipend
• $540 to establish a Donor Advised Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation
• Professional video made about their project

Competitive Applicant Profile:
Award recipients will have dedicated significant time and commitment to:
1. Creating a new project or program to improve their communities
2. Enhancing an existing project or program through innovation and community building
3. Inspiring large numbers of their peers to get involved in service projects or social justice programs

Contact Information:

• Website: www.jcfsandiego.org/pcla
• Organization: Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego
• Website: www.jcfsandiego.org

Background:
Peter Chortek was fiercely proud of being Jewish and committed to making a difference. His passion and focus was Jewish education, believing quality Jewish education would help ensure a vibrant Jewish future. His interests included day schools, Jewish camps, Hillel, Birthright, March of the Living, Jewish Community Centers, and synagogues.

The award committee is comprised of members of the Chortek family and other community leaders, including representatives from the third generation (Sammy and Shana Weisman and Nathan and Emily Chortek).

Application Process

Timeline:

Application Materials Needed:

Note: Specific application form and detailed instructions available at www.jcfsandiego.org/pcla

Encouragement for Applicants:
Students are encouraged to start thinking about service projects that qualify well in advance. Those who meet the application criteria are invited to participate.