American Club of Rome President’s Award for Academic & Community Excellence

The American Club of Rome (ACR) President’s Award for Academic & Community Excellence recognizes outstanding students of The American University of Rome who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. This award celebrates students whose exemplary academic achievement is harmoniously aligned with compassion, initiative, and a sustained commitment to serving their communities. 

                         Submission Deadline: March 18th 

Eligibility 

• Be full-time degree-seeking students who has completed at least one semester at AUR. 

• Hold a minimum GPA of 3.5. 

• Demonstrate significant engagement in community service, volunteer work, or leadership activities. 

• Submit at least one letter of recommendation. Collectively, the letters should speak to both academic achievement and community engagement. If one recommender cannot address both areas, students may submit more than one letter. 

Application Materials 

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
• Project or Reflection: Projects should illustrate how academic learning and community engagement complement and strengthen one another showing how study and service inspire impact in both directions. The project may take one of the following forms: 
  • Written Essay (1 page) — optional photos or supporting materials welcome 
  • Short Video or Multimedia Presentation (3–5 minutes) 
• Letter(s) of Recommendation as described above. 

To complete this application, email application material to financialaid@aur.edu with subject line: “ACR President’s Award Application.” 

Selection & Evaluation 

Applications will be reviewed by a joint AUR–ACR Selection Committee, following pre-screening by AUR Financial Aid. 

• Academic Excellence (25%) — quality, rigor, and consistency of academic performance. 

• Community Engagement (25%) — depth and impact of service or leadership. (see internal further documentation) 

• Creativity, Reflection & Purpose (50%) — clarity of message, originality, and connection between academic and community impact. 

• Preference will be given to students demonstrating financial need. 

Award & Recognition 

• €5,000 financial award credited to the AUR tuition account for the upcoming semester. 

• Certificate of Recognition presented at a joint ACR–AUR event. 

• Feature interview for AUR marketing. 

• The recipient will be invited to take part in an ACR event, reflect on the significance of the award, and represent ACR as a student ambassador, exemplifying the values of leadership and service. 

• Optional mentorship/networking opportunity with ACR members. 

Up to two Honorable Mentions may also be recognized for outstanding merit. Awardees will be featured in ACR and AUR newsletters, websites, and partner communications.