John F. Kennedy New Frontier Awards®

About the Awards

For 20 years the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Awards® honored Americans under the age of 40 who were changing their communities and the country with their commitment to public service. The awards were created by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and The Institute of Politics at Harvard University and presented annually to two exceptional individuals whose contributions as full-time public servants in elective office, community service, or advocacy demonstrated the impact and the value of public service in the spirit of John F. Kennedy. The honorees were chosen by a distinguished bipartisan committee of political and community leaders.

One award honored an elected official whose work in politics brought significant, tangible results in response to a public challenge. The other New Frontier Award honored an individual whose contributions in the realm of community service, advocacy or grassroots activism elevated the debate about a public issue, or endeavored to change the policy landscape with respect to a public issue.

The recipients of the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Awards were role models for a new generation of public servants. They demonstrated the qualities President Kennedy embodied and admired: civic mindedness, pragmatism, vision and tenacity in identifying and addressing public challenges. 

The final two John F. Kennedy New Frontier Awards were presented in 2023, after the 20th year.

Learn more about the recipients.

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