Former President Bill Clinton is the 2013 recipient of the Lincoln Leadership Prize — the first time a former U.S. president has been awarded the prize, The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation announced Tuesday.



The leadership award honors "outstanding individuals for a lifetime of service in the spirit of President Abraham Lincoln," and those who "manifest great strength of character, individual conscience, and an unwavering commitment to the defining principles of democracy," the foundation said in a written news release.



Clinton is scheduled to accept his award in person on May 4 at the Hilton Chicago.



According to the foundation, Clinton was chosen for both his "historic presidency" and "unwavering commitment to continued public service since leaving the White House."



"His lifetime commitment to public service defines the very characteristics of President Lincoln's legacy as one of the great leaders of our country," Wayne W. Whalen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, said in the written release.



Among achievements mentioned by the foundation were Clinton's role in economic expansion, the creation of 22 million jobs and the lowest unemployment rate in 30 years during his years in office.



Since he left office, he created the William J. Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative, two efforts in public service.



Former recipients include former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and Polish President Lech Walesa. The Lincoln Leadership Prize has been awarded since 2006.



This year marks the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and Gettysburg Address, two key moments in American history.