Lady Gaga’s foundation will grant inaugural kindness award to youth

Winners will be selected in eight U.S. cities on tour including Atlanta.

In 2012, singer Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta, founded the Born This Way Foundation to support the wellness of young people and empower them to create a kinder and braver world. Since its creation, the Foundation has connected more than 150,000 youth with the community-based services and programs of than 50 non-profit organizations.

Recently, the Born This Way Foundation announced the inaugural Channel Kindness Awards. The awards, in partnership with Peace First, will recognize the contributions of young people who using generosity and compassion to create positive change in their schools and communities.

“Kindness can be a powerful tool to strengthen our communities and young people instinctively understand that potential,” said Cynthia Germanotta, president and co-founder of the Born This Way Foundation in a statement. “Today’s youth are innovative problem solvers and change makers who believe that the world can be a more accepting, productive and caring place. We’re excited to announce the Channel Kindness Awards as an opportunity to recognize and support their dedication to creating a kinder, braver world.”

Youth ages 13 to 24 are invited to apply by Sept. 1 and the winners will be selected in eight U.S. cities where Lady Gaga’s Joanne World Tour will be stopping throughout the summer and fall including Atlanta. Other cities include Tacoma, Washington; Chicago, Illinois; Boston, Massachusetts; Indianapolis, Indiana; St. Louis, Missouri; Dallas, Texas; and Salt Lake City, Utah.

The winners will be selected based on their having shown their commitment to improving the lives of others as well as the viability of their proposal for a service vent that will positively impact their school or community.

Youth who win an award will get help from Born This Way Foundation and Peace First in planning their events as well as a $500 prize.

Applications are now being accepted at awards.channelkindness.org/enter.

CONTRIBUTED BY AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES Lady Gaga and her mother want to recognize the contributions of young people who use generosity and compassion to create positive change in their schools and communities.