NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY (Guardian) today announced the final call for nominations for the 2010 Girls Going Places® Entrepreneurship Award Program. Under the program Guardian will grant a total of $30,000 to 15 teen business owners who demonstrate exceptional entrepreneurship and community service.

“The recent economic crisis accentuates the importance of business and financial education”

“The Girls Going Places program inspires girls to see the potential of their entrepreneurial dreams by providing financial rewards and recognition for their business and community achievements,” said Kathy Readinger, Guardian’s national manager of the program. “Since this is the tenth anniversary of Girls Going Places, we want to make a special effort to encourage girls across the nation to enter,” she continued. “The Going Places program is one of the many ways Guardian supports and recognizes women-owned businesses.”

Submissions will be accepted through February 26, 2010. Teachers, parents, and community members are encouraged to nominate accomplished young female entrepreneurs between the ages of 12 and 18. Adults can nominate girls by submitting a 750-word essay endorsing accomplished young female entrepreneurs. Nominees must also write a 250-word personal statement on entrepreneurship, leadership, financial independence, or giving back to the community.

The first, second and third place winners receive prizes of $10,000, $5,000 and $3,000, respectively. The 12 finalists are granted prizes of $1,000 each. Girls can use the award to reinvest in their entrepreneurial projects or to save for college. Additional information about the program and nomination forms for the competition can be found at www.girlsgoingplaces.com and online at YouTube, MySpace and Facebook (Keyword: GirlsGoingPlaces).

With rising college tuition rates across the nation, Guardian is committed to ensuring that young women are aware of the benefits of business ownership. “The recent economic crisis accentuates the importance of business and financial education,” said Readinger. “With more than 10 million firms across the nation that are owned by women, we are committed to helping the current generation of women entrepreneurs and those to come.”

The Girls Going Places® Entrepreneurship Award program anchors Guardian's Women's Initiative, which was established to help women and women business owners create, invest, and protect wealth.

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