REWARDING OUT OF THE BOX EDUCATORS The Leavey Awards for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education

The Leavey Awards Do you have an innovative classroom project? Do you know an educator who teaches out of the box? Could you or a teacher you know use $7,500?

The Leavey Awards If you answered “YES” to any of those questions then the Leavey Awards for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education is the program for you. The Leavey Awards Program recognizes educators for innovative ways in teaching free enterprise in the classroom.

The Leavey Awards One of the basic strengths of America is its competitive private enterprise economic system. The unique concept of individual opportunity, incentive and reward provides Americans with the highest standard of living enjoyed by people of any nation in history. It is essential to the future of our freedoms and way of life that young people today develop an appreciation of and enthusiasm for this facet of American democracy

The Leavey Awards Recognizing this concept the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation permanently endowed an annual cash award program run by Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge to honor outstanding educators who excel in teaching the private enterprise system.

Independent Panel of Selectors An independent panel of selectors may recommend up to 20 awards of $7,500 each annually. In addition, it may recommend a special award of $15,000 for an unusually meritorious entry. An independent panel of selectors comprised of leaders from business, economic and academic communities meets annually to evaluate nominations and select recipients for the Leavey Awards.

Eligibility The candidate must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident employed full-time as an Educator at an accredited American school; grade K-12, college or university levels. The applicant must conceive and implement an innovative course, program or project which develops among students a deeper understanding and appreciation of the American private enterprise system.

Eligibility The candidate’s program must be operating or initiated during the previous academic year. A maximum of three contributing educators per project submission is allowed.

Preparing Your Nomination All nominations must complete a standard nomination form. Nomination forms are available from the Freedoms Foundation. All nominations must be accompanied by a portfolio

The Portfolio The most important aspect of the portfolio is the mandatory two-page synopsis. The two-page synopsis should outline the content and results of the course or project and its relevance to the private enterprise system. The synopsis will be the key component the panel of selectors will look at to make their first impression.

The Portfolio The other materials in the portfolio must adequately document the course or project. Examples of supporting comprehensive documentation include; sample materials, photographs, impact statements, letters of recommendation and graphs and charts. Please note that Videotapes and CDs are accepted, but rarely viewed.

The Portfolio A good portfolio will have a strong two page synopsis followed by an appropriate amount of supporting documentation. Remember that not always is more better. Keep your portfolios simple and to the point.

Recipients The panel may recommend up to 20 awards of $7,500 each annually. Recipients are notified in December of each year. Recipients receive not only the cash award, but are invited to attend the Annual Awards Banquet in Valley Forge and participate in the Leavey Summit.

The Leavey Summit Recipients participate in the Leavey Summit. Here they exchange ideas with fellow educators as to the best approach to teach economics and the free enterprise in the classroom.

The Leavey Awards Banquet Recipients are formally honored at an awards banquet in Valley Fore. The banquet focuses on education and the important role teachers play in the lives of our young people.

The Legacy Recipients become part of the Freedoms Foundation Family. Past recipients have become speakers at our education seminars, have helped to develop new programs, have become members of our Board of Directors and Board of Trustees. They continue to actively participate in expanding the Leavey Awards Program.

More Information The Leavey Awards are offered annually. The deadline for entries is October 1 st. Nomination forms are available in March of each new year.

More Information You may visit the Freedoms Foundation website for more information on the Leavey Awards and to download a nomination form.

More Information For detailed questions, the Freedoms Foundation staff is at your service to take you step by step through the nomination process. Contact, The Programs Office at ext. 233 or at

The Leavey Awards Thank you for the opportunity to talk to you about The Leavey Awards for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education.