Peter Chortek Leadership Award (PCLA)

Peter Chortek Leadership Award

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award 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 Amount: $5,400 stipend per recipient, plus $540 to establish a Donor Advised Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation, plus a professional video documenting their project

Geographic Scope: San Diego County, California

Background: Established in 2011 by the Chortek Family to honor the late Peter Chortek z"l. Peter was fiercely proud of being Jewish and committed to making a difference, with a particular passion for Jewish education and institutions supporting Jewish continuity (day schools, camps, Hillel, Birthright, Jewish Community Centers, synagogues).

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

1. Currently be in high school
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 a long-term vision for growth and sustainability for their work
5. Have been involved with their project for at least one year before submitting an application

Focus Areas

Competitive applicants will have dedicated significant time and commitment to:

• Creating a new project or program to improve their community
• Enhancing an existing project or program through innovation and community building
• Inspiring large numbers of their peers to get involved in service projects or social justice programs

Application Process

Timeline:

• Applications become available in September
• Deadline: January (typically mid-January)

What to Submit:

• Application form
• Information about your Tikkun Olam project
• Documentation of your leadership role and involvement
• Information about your project's impact and your vision for its future

Selection Process:
Applications are reviewed by a committee comprised of members of the Chortek family and other community leaders.

Note: Videos of previous Peter Chortek Leadership Award winners are available on the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego website.