Peter Chortek Leadership Award (PCLA)

Peter Chortek Leadership Award

Purpose: Recognize and reward 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 Established: 2011 by the Chortek Family to honor the late Peter Chortek z"l

Geographic Scope: San Diego County

Award Details:

• Stipend: $5,400
• Donor Advised Fund: $540 to establish a DAF at the Jewish Community Foundation
• Additional Recognition: Professional video made about the recipient's project
• Total Awards: Multiple awards given annually (typically 2-3 recipients)

Eligibility Requirements:

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

Focus Areas:

• Jewish education and Jewish continuity
• Community service and social justice
• Innovative leadership projects
• Tikkun Olam (social justice/community repair)

Committee: Includes members of the Chortek family and other community leaders

Application Process

Timeline:

• Applications typically available: Early September
• Deadline: January (of the following year)

Eligibility Criteria for Competitive Applicants:
Competitive applicants should have dedicated significant time and commitment to one or more of the following:

1. Creating a new project or program to improve their community
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

Application Materials:

• Written application (specific requirements not detailed in source)
• Project description and impact
• Evidence of 1+ year involvement
• Leadership demonstration

Note: Detailed application form and specific narrative questions not provided in available source materials.