Spark Awards

The 2026-27 SPARK Awards application deadline is June 1, 2027. Check back in the spring for an application link.

Spark Award for Dedication to Belonging
This award honors a chapter that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. The Spark Award for Dedication to Belonging recognizes efforts that go beyond the expected to build community, create spaces of inclusivity, and help all members feel seen, supported, and valued.

Ohio State University

Spelman College

View past Spark Award recipients.

Spark Award for Dedication to Service
This award honors a chapter that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to serving others and making a meaningful impact in its campus or surrounding community. This award recognizes chapters that go beyond occasional volunteerism by planning and implementing thoughtful service initiatives that address community needs, engage members in meaningful ways, and inspire a lifelong commitment to service.

Whether through hands-on volunteer projects, partnerships with nonprofit organizations, campus-wide service events, advocacy efforts, or creative service initiatives, this award celebrates chapters that embody Alpha Lambda Delta's commitment to leadership through service while making a measurable difference for others.

Application Process

Chapters applying for this award should document a specific service project, initiative, or ongoing program that demonstrates meaningful community impact. We want to learn how your chapter identified a need, engaged members in service, collaborated with community partners when appropriate, and evaluated the impact of your efforts.

Chapters will also be required to complete a template event/program "how-to" that can be shared on our website so other chapters can replicate the program on their campus. Visuals from the project—including a flyer or social media post used to promote the initiative and photos from the service activity—must also be submitted.

Complete the form (available in April) by June 1 to submit your chapter’s application.

Spark Award for Dedication to Service Questions:

  1. Describe a specific service project, program, or initiative your chapter organized or participated in. What community need did it address, and what were your goals for the project?

  2. How did your chapter engage members in planning and carrying out the service initiative? If applicable, describe any partnerships with campus offices, nonprofit organizations, or community groups.

  3. What impact did your service project have on the community and on your chapter members? Please include measurable outcomes when possible (such as volunteer hours, people served, funds or items collected, or feedback received), as well as any lessons learned.

  4. Provide all related documents that can be shared with other chapters to recreate the same program, event, or initiative on their campus. Documents could include planning guides, timelines, volunteer instructions, partner communications, marketing materials, social media posts, flyers, email content, supply lists, budgets, reflection activities, or assessment tools. All documents should be saved as a single PDF when possible. Additional documents can be uploaded to the Google Drive link provided in the application.

“Our chapter partnered with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to host a care‑package assembly event for pediatric patients and their families—an initiative created not only to support the community, but also to offer members a warm and welcoming space to connect. Our goal was to give students a flexible, low‑pressure environment where they could participate at their own pace, choose tasks that felt comfortable, and naturally engage with peers while contributing to a shared purpose. By blending service with a relaxed atmosphere, the event helped members feel at ease, sparked genuine conversations, and allowed students from different backgrounds and involvement levels to connect in a way that felt authentic and inclusive.”

“We put a lot of care into personal communication, reaching out individually to new members at induction and checking in throughout the semester, especially during stressful academic periods when a simple message can make a big difference…Above all, we strive to build a culture rooted in kindness, recognition, and genuine connection so that every member feels they truly belong in ALD.”

“…we learned that belonging grows most naturally in spaces that are relaxed, collaborative, and shaped by member input, and that when officers lead with warmth and transparency, engagement and connection follow.”

“ALD Week is an annual initiative and tradition of the Spelman College chapter…Through a series of academic, service, and social events, ALD Week highlights the pillars of scholarship, leadership, and service while creating meaningful opportunities for members to connect with one another. The initiative is intentionally designed to help new inductees feel welcomed, supported, and integrated into the chapter, while also encouraging continued engagement from returning members. ”

“We regularly seek feedback from members regarding the types of programs, events, and initiatives they would like to see, ensuring that chapter activities reflect the interests and needs of our membership…Members are kept informed and connected through newsletters, social media, and GroupMe communications, ensuring that they remain engaged with chapter activities and resources throughout the year. Our commitment to belonging extends beyond events and programming, as we work to create a culture where members know they are valued, heard, and supported throughout their college experience and beyond their first year of membership.”

“One of the most meaningful impacts of our community-building efforts has been transforming Alpha Lambda Delta from an organization that members simply join into a community that members actively engage with…belonging…requires consistent outreach, intentional programming, and a genuine investment in members' success. By providing opportunities for members to connect socially, grow professionally, and access valuable resources, we have created an environment where students feel that ALD is invested in them not only as scholars, but as individuals.”

Application Process

Chapters applying for this award should document specific programs, initiatives, or events that intentionally promoted a sense of belonging among members. Whether through mentorship opportunities, inclusive social gatherings, collaborative service projects, or awareness campaigns, we want to see how your chapter has lit the spark of connection and inclusion within your community. Chapters will be required to complete a template event/program “how-to” to be shared on our website for other chapters to replicate. Visuals from the event/program will also need to be submitted - a flyer or social media post that was used to promote the program, and pictures from the actual event.

Complete the form (available in April) by June 1 to submit your chapter’s application.

Spark Award for Dedication to Belonging Questions:

  1. Describe a specific program, event, or initiative your chapter implemented to foster inclusivity and build a sense of belonging. What was the goal, and how was it received by members?

  2. How does your chapter ensure that all members—regardless of background or identity—feel welcomed, supported, and valued throughout the year?

  3. What impact have your community-building efforts had on chapter culture and member engagement? Please share any feedback, outcomes, or lessons learned.

  4. Provide all related documents that can be shared with other chapters to recreate the same program, event, or initiative on their campus. Documents could include templates, planning instructions and timelines, marketing materials such as social media posts, flyers, email content sent to members, etc. All documents should be saved as a single PDF when possible. Additional documents can be uploaded to the Google Drive link provided in the application.

Contact ALD Headquarters at ald@nationalald.org with any questions.

2025-26 SPARK Award for Dedication to Belonging Recipients