Jackson Robbins, a sophomore in the College of Business at the University of Louisville, has joined a select group of 3,797 young people nationwide who have been awarded the prestigious Congressional Award for Youth. The honor recognizes exceptional achievements in community service, personal development, physical fitness and educational excellence. Unlike many awards, the Congressional Award for Youth is not given; it must be earned through dedicated effort and commitment. Robbins was presented the award by Congressman Morgan McGarvey.
To learn more about Jackson’s journey and his inspiring accomplishments, UofL sat down with him for a Q&A.
UofL News: What drew you to the University of Louisville?
Jackson Robbins: I am a Louisville native and grew up as an avid UofL sports fan. As I entered high school, I became aware of the various academic programs, national research accolades and the great reputation of my hometown university. I love the campus, my friends and the feeling of being home but away from home simultaneously. I also have found community and brotherhood in the Fraternity Phi Kappa Tau.
UofL News: What is the Congressional Award Program for Youth, and how did you earn the Gold Medal?
Robbins: The Congressional Award Program for Youth is the highest Congressional award for young adults aged 14 to 24. I earned the Gold Medal by logging around 1400 hours in four required areas: voluntary public service, physical fitness, expedition/exploration and personal development.
Participants can achieve a bronze, silver, or gold medal and/or certificates in each. I started in high school and completed my hours earlier this year.
UofL News: Can you talk a little about what you did for each category?
Robbins: For volunteer service, my heart and passion lies with people with disabilities. While in high school, I participated several times as a companion at Shine Disabilities camps and activities. Early on, when I met my “Shine Buddy” – Trent. It was an honor to continue to spend time with him as a friend and mentor. It totally helped me to have compassion and to understand that not everyone’s the same, but all are special to God and have a special place in our world. I also served at Dare to Care and every summer I enjoyed volunteering and mentoring younger athletes at our summer basketball camps. Now in college, and as a proud and active brother in Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, I’ve helped work on our national service project, Paul Newman’s Serious Fun Network.
For physical fitness, I chose to set specific goals in my sports of cross country and basketball that helped me in personal discipline and sharpen my skills. I also developed my own personal fitness weight training program.
For exploration and expedition, every participant is required to document a trip that must be completely planned and executed by the participant. In summer 2023, a buddy and I traveled to upper Michigan and were employed for a week at his family’s tourist attraction. I was required to provide travel plans, what I learned about the area, the people and exactly what I did. The town has 3,000 permanent residents but has thousands of summer visitors. The trip really helped to mature me as an aspiring young business entrepreneur.
For personal development, I completed a few different things. One example is that I started working a part time job at age 14 at Jersey Mike’s Subs. I also attended in person and graduated from Dale Carnegie’s 8 week “Skills for Success” course at age 16. Dale Carnegie training is globally recognized as a leader in communication skills training. Some famous graduates include Warren Buffet and President Ronald Reagan.
UofL News: What motivated you to pursue the Congressional Award? And what advice do you have to others trying to pursue this award?
Robbins: One of the reasons to pursue this award is that it is available to any young person and it’s totally attainable to accomplish this goal. And you get to do it while just being you. I want to encourage all UofL students in the age range to get going and get encouraged! It is worth the effort. If you are already an involved person, sign up now so you can make those hours count. This program motivated me to reach goals and is a fantastic and rewarding way to reach them.
Also, I am so grateful for Jim and Claudette Patton, the Southern Region advisors, who were always available to help guide me through the process to complete this goal for submission and approval at the National Congressional Youth Award organization.
UofL News: What are your future plans?
Robbins: I plan to pursue an MBA or consider attending law school.
