09/21/2012
Despite terrorist threats, one woman still brings education to Afghan girls. An Ohio mom wants to save minority children from the tragic drowning fate that took her son’s life. And a former heroin addict helps others struggling with drugs get clean.
These are just a few inspiring stories of the 10 nominees chosen to compete for the 2012 CNN Hero of the Year award. The winner, who will be named at an awards show on Dec. 2 hosted by Anderson Cooper, will earn a $250,000 grant to help grow the nonprofit, which he or she is using to make the world a better place.
Now in its sixth year, the award aims to highlight the missions of ordinary individuals who are impacting society in incredible ways. Each nominee will walk home with a $50,000 grant and the winner, along with the additional funding, will get free training from the Annenberg Foundation, which advises nonprofit leaders in fundraising, communications and management of volunteers.