Applications open today for Prudential Emerging Visionaries, a program that celebrates young people bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to pressing financial and societal challenges in their communities.
“Recognizing young leaders for making their communities stronger and more inclusive is another way Prudential fulfills its purpose of making lives better by solving the financial challenges of our changing world,” says Chairman and CEO Charles Lowrey. “Our inaugural class of Emerging Visionaries was truly exceptional, and we’re looking forward to honoring more young innovators in 2023.”
The program, now in its second year, builds on the legacy and momentum of the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, the country’s largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service. Between 1995 and 2020, the Spirit awards honored more than 150,000 young people across the United States and internationally. Inspired by the impressive vision of these young leaders, Prudential reimagined the program in 2021 to honor students addressing societal and financial challenges.
In April 2023, 20 students will be awarded for their solutions to social issues, and five for their solutions to financial barriers. Each winner will receive $5,000 plus an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey. During this event, the five honorees in the financial solutions category will pitch their ideas to Prudential leaders for a chance to receive a grand prize of $15,000.
Winners will also have the opportunity to consult with Prudential leaders about strategies to advance their work, and to participate in a coaching program with employees to refine their projects.
Prudential is collaborating with Ashoka, a leading organization in the social impact sector, to help develop winners’ skills through ongoing workshops and online courses. Advisory support is provided by the Financial Health Network, a leading authority on financial health and longtime partner of The Prudential Foundation.
Applications for the program are open now through Nov. 3. Awards are open to students ages 14–18 in the United States. Prudential operates similar programs in other countries where the company has a significant business presence, including Brazil, China, India and Japan.
