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.

UNC Greensboro

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.

“The Study-A-Thon is a three-hour-long study session where members are encouraged to join us to study, fellowship, and eat! We buy pizza and drinks, as well as invite both members and other UNCG students to join us! As one of our highly anticipated events for the semester, we tend to get a lot of traction during this time. Our members love to come out to Study-A-Thon, as we strive to create a welcoming environment for students during more stressful times of the semester (midterms, finals, etc.). Study-A-Thon is always a great hit with our community!”

“…as a chapter, we aim to hit multiple targets regarding a broad span of topics to cover. As not only an academic achievement, but an all-around wellness journey, our ALD Chapter wants to find ways to connect with our community outside of just academics. We also open up suggestions for members to potentially collaborate with us for events such as chapter meetings and study nights, aiming to invite other opinions for what they want to see in our chapter!”

“By fostering open communication, consistent outreach, and inclusive programming, we've created a welcoming environment where members feel seen, valued, and empowered to contribute. Our officers prioritize building personal connections with members through intentional interactions at meetings, personalized messages, and a consistent presence at campus events. These efforts have significantly increased member turnout and participation, not just in service initiatives, but in social and professional development events as well. One standout outcome has been a noticeable rise in member retention and leadership interest. Many members have expressed how officer approachability and transparency encouraged them to stay active and even pursue leadership roles themselves.”

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.

2024-25 SPARK Award for Dedication to Belonging Recipient