Starting young - Meet Connor Dantzler, a Maryland eighth-grader who has been volunteering since he was 9!  For the past five years, Connor has distributed joke books throughout the state to patients in hospitals and assisted-care centers, as well as their families.  Connor was named one of Maryland’s top youth volunteers of 2008.

Teach for America has seen a huge jump in applications and enrollment.  Next year, 3,700 new teachers will be placed.  The organization’s budget has also increased by $40 million.

Universities, companies, and government alike are starting to recognize the power of public service.  Tufts University has created a program that will help repay the loans of students and alumni who work in public service.  Similarly, Philadelphia-based companies have created a tuition reward program that will offer up to $2,500 each for students who volunteer at non-profits.

Connor meets Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, at the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.