Peter Chortek Leadership Award (PCLA)

Peter Chortek Leadership Award

Funder: Chortek Family (facilitated by Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego)

Background: The Peter Chortek Leadership Award was established in 2011 by the Chortek Family to honor the late Peter Chortek z"l. Peter was not religious but 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. Peter's interests included day schools, Jewish camps, Hillel, Birthright, March of the Living, Jewish Community Centers, and synagogues. As of 2022, 28 awards have been presented.

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

Geographic Scope: San Diego County

Award Amount:

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

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet ALL three criteria:

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

Award Committee

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award Committee is comprised of members of the Chortek family and other community leaders, including representatives of the third generation: Sammy and Shana Weisman and Nathan and Emily Chortek (Peter and Elaine Chortek z"l's grandchildren).

Contact Information

For additional information, visit: www.jcfsandiego.org/pcla

Related Organization: Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego (jcfsandiego.org)

Application Process

Timeline:

• Applications typically available as early as September each year
• Deadline: January (typically mid-to-late January)

Application Requirements:

Competitive applicants should:

• Have dedicated significant time and commitment to:
  • Creating a new project or program to improve their communities, OR
  • Enhancing an existing project, OR
  • Inspiring a large number of their peers to get involved in service projects or social justice programs

Recommended Next Steps:

• Students are encouraged to start thinking about service projects that qualify
• Those who meet the application criteria are invited to participate

For detailed application materials and submission instructions, visit www.jcfsandiego.org/pcla