Youth Service America has launched the first annual Gladys Marinelli Coccia Awards to recognize two young female social entrepreneurs, ages 14 to 17, whose initiatives serve the common good. The awards are created in memory of Gladys Coccia, who began her entrepreneurial career when she was a young girl in West Virginia and later became a very successful businesswoman in Washington, D.C.
Girls must live in the United States – with special consideration given to nominees in West Virginia and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, have her own social enterprise, be supported by contributions of at least $1,000, and have a business plan, including an itemized budget.