We've all seen them – in every color of the rainbow and spanning kindergarten through university, the ubiquitous bumper sticker: Proud Parent of an Honor Roll Student. Parents everywhere are eager to display their child's hard work to the world. But parents aren't the only ones who have an opportunity to display such a sticker.

The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll celebrates colleges and universities that reflect the values of exemplary community service and allows the President of the United States to recognize institutions that achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities through volunteer service and service-learning.

Colleges and universities play a unique role in the health of a local community and the nation as a whole, and the President's Honor Roll increases the public's awareness of the contributions made by these institutions and their students.

Applications for the 2012 President's Honor Roll are currently being accepted. The deadline for submissions is December 9, 2011. Winners will be announced on March 12, 2012 at the American Council on Education Conference in Los Angeles.

Applicants may compete in two categories:

• General Community Service which recognizes the quality, quantity, and institutional commitment to community service initiatives at a college or university.
  
• Special Focus Area which recognizes exemplary initiatives aligned with the President's education and innovation priorities – Promise Neighborhoods model, early childhood education, and summer learning.

Institutions admitted to the President's Honor Roll are recognized by the President of the United States as a leader and role model in community service for the higher education sector. This acknowledgement helps to recruit students, reinforce ties with alumni, fulfill civic missions, as well as strengthen and build community partnership.

Learn more about eligibility requirements, recognition levels, and application requirements.