Prices

submit

LdE - 2026 Elementary School Award: Where Learning Comes to Life

03/27/2027
A price of Stiftung Lernen durch Engagement – Service-Learning in Deutschland

[Translate to English:] Foto: Note Thanun, Unsplash

The 2026 LdE Elementary School Award recognizes how teachers and school administrators implement “Learning Through Engagement” in elementary schools—whether in the classroom or through school development. The award honors practical examples at every stage: from the initial idea to its firm integration into everyday school life. Elementary schools in challenging situations in selected federal states are eligible to apply.

The award highlights and recognizes how elementary schools shape learning through commitment —whether in the classroom or in school development.

The competition is open to elementary schools in challenging situations in: Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia.

“Learning Through Engagement” aims to enable elementary school children to strengthen basic skills, take on responsibility, and experience self-efficacy . The award highlights examples that implement this form of learning from concept to integration into everyday school life.

Award categories: 4 prizes of €1,500 for LdE instruction and 2 prizes of €2,000 for embedding LdE. The winners will be announced following the jury’s meeting in April 2026. The award ceremonies are expected to take place in June in the respective federal states.

Source: servicelearning.de

 

The application deadline is March 27, 2026.

Apply now

Date
Title
Location
Description
May 31

NAJU (Naturschutzjugend im NABU)

In the nationwide “Erlebter Frühling” contest, children up to age 13 explore nature in their local area. Individual children, groups of children, school classes, and daycare groups can participate. Entries are judged based on various criteria, including creativity, relevance to the theme, and the children’s involvement. Award-winning entries win a nature adventure day.
[Translate to English:] Ein Kind sitzt mit dem Rücken zur Kamera in einer Wiese mit weißen Gänseblümchen. Die tief stehende Sonne scheint durch die Bäume im Hintergrund.
Oct 11

Kinder- und Jugendbüro Steglitz-Zehlendorf

Through the “District Heroines” program, Steglitz-Zehlendorf honors young people between the ages of 10 and 21 who regularly volunteer in the district. You can nominate a dedicated individual by October 11, 2026. The selected “District Heroines” will be honored at an event on November 27, 2026.
Oct 02

Bezirksamt Tempelhof-Schöneberg

Tempelhof-Schöneberg honors outstanding volunteer work in the district. Individuals who have been actively involved for many years may be nominated for the Medal of Merit. The Incentive Award recognizes individuals, groups, or projects that contribute to the community in the district. The Incentive Award comes with a total prize of 1,500 €.
Oct 02

Bezirksamt Tempelhof-Schöneberg von Berlin

In Berlin’s Tempelhof-Schöneberg district, the district office annually honors outstanding volunteer work. To this end, medals of merit are awarded to individuals who have shown sustained commitment to the common good over many years, and incentive awards—each worth €1,000—are presented to publicly recognize exemplary achievements by individuals, groups, or projects. Nominations are accepted by the Volunteer Office.
Aug 16

Bundesministerium für Bildung, Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend (BMBFSFJ)

For the first time, the German Community Award recognizes projects, initiatives, and organizations that combat loneliness and strengthen social cohesion. Eligible applicants include civil society initiatives, clubs, associations, as well as municipalities and public institutions. The award is presented in four categories and comes with prize money.
[Translate to English:] Grafik zum Deutschen Gemeinsamkeitspreis 2026 auf grün-blauem Farbverlauf. Oben stehen das Logo und der Schriftzug „Deutscher Gemeinsamkeitspreis“. In der Mitte befindet sich ein weißer Kreis mit dem Text „Bis zum 16.08.2026 bewerben!“, flankiert von zwei stilisierten Megafonen. Unten steht die Internetadresse „www.kompetenznetz-einsamkeit.de“.
Jul 31

Gesellschaft für Medienpädagogik (GMK)

The Dieter Baacke Prize recognizes media education projects that help children, teenagers, and families use media creatively and critically. Extracurricular projects, as well as collaborations between school-based and extracurricular institutions, are eligible to apply. The prize is awarded nationwide in six categories.
Mar 31

Bezirksamt Reinickendorf von Berlin

With the Dieter-Braunsdorf Medal, the Reinickendorf district honors individuals who volunteer to support sports in the district. The award is presented annually in bronze, silver, and gold. Starting in 2026, volunteers under the age of 27 will also be eligible for the award for the first time. Reinickendorf sports clubs and organizations can nominate candidates through March 31.
[Translate to English:] Eine erwachsene Person bindet einem Kind auf einem Sportplatz die Schnürsenkel der Fußballschuhe.

Bezirksamt Tempelhof-Schöneberg

Community Service Initiatives in the District

Sign Up for the Newsletter