The Helen Diller Family Foundation has awarded 10 teenagers from across the U.S. with the 2013 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award in recognition of their leadership, innovation and commitment to making the world a better place. Each recipient will receive $36,000 in support of their philanthropic vision or to further educational pursuits.

The 2013 recipients were selected by committees of educators and community leaders from across the United States. Candidates completed a detailed application describing their projects, goals, inspirations and challenges, fundraising tactics and ultimate accomplishments. Eligible applicants were United States residents, between 13 and 19 years old who self-identify as Jewish.

Now in its seventh year, the awards program has granted a total of nearly $1.5 million to further the vision of 40 Jewish teens. This is the inaugural year that the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards have been offered nationally, recognizing teens both inside and outside of California.

“After six years honoring teens in California, we are so excited to be able to recognize young people from across the nation this year,” said Helen Diller, president of the Helen Diller Family Foundation. “From Rhode Island to Iowa to Palo Alto, it’s clear these creative teens are already making a huge impact on the world – we are thrilled to support them and help further their work that addresses critical social issues.”