2027 Award Application Details
Youth Social Justice
Application Checklist
Youth Social Justice
The mission of the Award
is to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and empower the community to promote social justice
and unity, through service.
The Youth Social Justice Awards commemorate Dr. King’s legacy that lives on through youth who believe in the importance of following in his footsteps.
The award amount ranges from $1,000 to $2,500.
Eligibility
Application Checklist
Youth Social Justice
1. High School and College Students of the Ages 15 - 19
2. Youth who have demonstrated leadership in the spirit of Rev. Dr. King in their schools and communities.
3. Youth who reside in the following areas: Alta Loma, Chino, Chino Hills, Claremont, Diamond Bar, Fontana, La Verne, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, San Dimas, Upland.
Application Checklist
Application Checklist
Application Checklist
1. Fill out the Application Details!
2. Write Your two - three Page Essay.
3. Collect Two Recommendation Letters!
4. Record more than 20 hours of Community Service.
5. Submit all checklist items by November 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
Essay Question
Application Checklist
Using the community service work you do and MLK, Jr’s message as an example, please describe the ways in which you identify with Martin Luther King, Jr’s message, in A Tough Mind and A Tender Heart, to create change in your community?
Our Theme
Taken from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s message, A Tough Mind and A Tender Heart our theme this year is Resilience: A Tough Mind and A Tough Heart.
Award Checklist
Application Details
All documents must be uploaded as a pdf attachment on the online form.
Please answer all questions on the Martin Luther King, Jr., Youth Social Justice Award Application Online Form (page 1 on your online application).
You must be able to join our MLK Celebration to receive your award.
Essay Details
Please submit pdf as LastName_2027Essay.
Essay must be 2 - 3 pages (1200 - 1500 words).
Please TYPE in black using 12-point font in Times New Roman or Arial ONLY, double spaced, set the page layout with one-inch margins and SINGLE SIDED pages.
DO NOT SUBMIT SCREENSHOTS OR FILES.
Proof of Community Service
Please submit as FirstName_2027SVC.
Please provide proof of at least 20 community service hours from different organizations on their letterhead, including; the number of hours completed, the date and name of the tasks, and it must be signed by a representative of the organization. Your proof may not be signed by your parent/guardian(s).
Letters of Recommendation
Please submit as LastName_2027Reccomendation.
Please request and include two different, signed recommendation letters from school representatives, civic leaders, spiritual/religious leaders, or organization leaders who can comment on your accomplishments, and your commitment to social justice.
Your recommendation letters may not be from the same person nor from representatives of the same organization and may not be from your parent/guardian(s).
Deadline No Exceptions!
The application and all required information must be submitted on the online application. Click Apply Now above!
Please submit all information by 11:59 pm on November 1, 2026. EARLY SUBMISSIONS ARE ENCOURAGED.
A confirmation email will be sent within 72 hours of receiving your completed application. If selected as a 2027 MLK Youth Social Justice Honoree, notification will be sent by November 18, 2026.