CharacterPlus® 2026 Champions for Character Application Information
Has your school completed a service-learning project that enhanced the curriculum while positively impacting students and the community?
St. Louis Region
Service learning is a great way to instill good character and help the community. Has your school accomplished a service learning project that has enhanced the curriculum and positively impacted students and the community?
If so, apply to be recognized as a 2026 Champion for Character!
Service learning is a powerful way to build character, strengthen academic learning, and make a real difference in the community.
Up to four schools will be recognized for their work in service learning at the May 20th St. Louis Cardinals baseball game.
Recognition includes:
A banner, the opportunity for representatives from your school to be on the field for a pre-game ceremony, and 200 tickets to the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
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How to Apply
Download the application below and submit the completed form by March 26, 2026 to:
Debbie Rusert
Director, CharacterPlus
drusert@characterplus.org
Kansas City Region
Service learning is a great way to instill good character and help the community. Has your school accomplished a service learning project that has enhanced the curriculum and positively impacted students and the community?
If so, apply to be recognized as a 2026 Champion for Character!
Service learning is a powerful way to build character, strengthen academic learning, and make a real difference in the community.
Up to four schools will be honored for their outstanding service-learning work at a Kansas City Royals baseball game.
Recognition includes:
A Champions for Character banner, 100 game tickets, and parking passes for the selected game
How to Apply
Download the application below and submit the completed form by March 16, 2026 to:
Debbie Rusert
Director, CharacterPlus
drusert@characterplus.org
"Champions for Character recognizes local schools for excellence in service learning. The St. Louis Cardinals have partnered with CharacterPlus on this initiative since 2004. The program goal is to increase awareness of the benefits of service learning and encourage schools to move from one-time community service to more long-term, schoolwide service learning projects. For projects to be considered service learning, they must demonstrate how the service is connected to curricular standards, that there was student voice in the decision-making process, student leadership in the project, and reflection on both how it felt to serve and how the project went."​​​​​