The Jefferson Awards are presented on two levels: national and local. National award recipients represent a "Who's Who" of outstanding Americans. The national awards are given in five categories:

• Greatest Public Service by an Elected or Appointed Official
• Greatest Public Service by a Private Citizen
• Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged
• Greatest Public Service by an Individual 35 Years or Younger
• Outstanding Public Service Benefiting the Local Community

Past winners of the national award include Cesar Chavez, Jimmy Carter, Walter Chronkite, General Colin Powell, Arthur Ashe, Paul Newman, Lance Armstrong among many others.

On the local level, Jefferson Awards recipients are ordinary people who do extraordinary things without expectation of recognition or reward. By honoring the Jefferson Award recipients, it is the goal of the American Institute for Public Service to inspire others to become involved in community and public service.

By last count, the Jefferson Awards had 147 Media Partners in 93 communities, setting an all-time record. The Jefferson Awards is the nation's largest media partnership highlighting service to America.

History and Founding Purposes of the Jefferson Awards: Video

In 1997, for their 25th Anniversary, an 8-minute video was created that describes the history and founding purposes of the Jefferson Awards.

History of the Jefferson Awards
Video | 15 mb

More on the Jefferson Awards

About the Jefferson Awards

National Winners

Board of Selectors of the Jefferson Awards for Public Service