Lauren Cochran won the 2025 Jean O'Connor-Snyder Award for her work at Troy University in Alabama. She helps college students get involved in their community through programs like Campus Kitchens, which recovers food and gives it to people who need it. She also runs programs that teach middle school kids about democracy and citizenship.
Her office helps college students learn civic skills while serving their community. They run a summer camp for younger kids to learn about government and being good citizens. The university also has a food pantry that helps students who don't have enough food or school supplies.
This pantry serves 50 students each week and gives out over 500 pounds of food and supplies. Students say the pantry helps them do better in school because they can focus on learning instead of worrying about basic needs. The award honors people who teach others how to be active citizens in their communities.