DLC Awards Program

The Digital Learning Collaborative (DLC) has the opportunity to work with so many amazing leaders and organizations around the world. We are excited to announce the following awards to recognize the hard work they have endured to implement their innovative ideas.

Awards are given each year to honor individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a significant impact in key areas of K-12 digital learning during the past calendar year or for a body of work over a significant period of time.  See last year's award recipients here!

*We may not award a recipient for each award every year.

Recipients of the DLC awards will win:

  • An engraved award acknowledging the recipient’s outstanding achievement

  • A one-year standard individual DLC membership

  • A complimentary registration to DLAC 2026 (your choice of February or October)

  • Recognition at the DLAC awards luncheon

  • Recognition in DLC publications and on the DLC website

  • Opportunities to contribute to the field (blog, webinar, other volunteer opportunity)

Award recipients will be recognized at DLAC each year.

Nominations for the 2025 Awards must be submitted by 11:59pm ET on January 6, 2025 at the link above.

For questions regarding these awards, please contact dlc@evergreenedgroup.com.

Award Descriptions

Individual Excellence in Digital Learning Award

This award will be given to someone who has done something extraordinary to change or move the field of K-12 digital learning forward in some way over the past year. This individual's innovative ideas have been implemented and have made a meaningful impact on the field of digital learning in general and the effectiveness of an approach or series of particular approaches.

This award can address a body of work or an isolated breakthrough that came to fruition over the past year. The individual should be able to articulate how the approach fits into the overall strategy of K-12 digital education. For example, does it enhance existing methodologies and/or curriculum, or does it break new ground as a new model?

Research Impact Award

Several research studies are published and new frameworks are introduced each year, but which ones have had an impact on practice? This award will be judged by practitioners with a focus on what has been most useful to them. We want to see examples of how it has been or could be used in digital learning classrooms/schools.

This award is intended to recognize students and/or researchers whose studies in the field of K-12 digital learning have fostered best practices to advance the industry over the past year.

*Note, you do not have to know who the researcher(s) is/are to nominate them. Provide as much information as you can about the research and we will do our best to find them for you.

Unsung Super Star Award (Individual)

Many individual educators (any role in digital learning (admin, educator, support staff, etc.) are doing amazing work with students and within their organizations and most people are unaware of the impact they have had on their students’ lives and learning over the past year. We want to learn more about these individuals and share their work with the rest of the world. 

The practice or policy contributions of the individual should have resulted in improving the overall effectiveness, efficiency and success of students and their team or program over the past year.

Unsung Super Star Award (School/District)

Many schools/districts are implementing innovative learning models with students and most people are unaware of the amazing work they have implemented that has had a significant impact on students’ lives and learning over the past year. We want to learn more about these programs and share their promising practices with the rest of the world. 

The practice or policy contributions of the school/district should have resulted in improving the overall effectiveness, efficiency and success of students in the school/district over the past year.

Spirit of DLAC Award

This honoree embodies the spirit of selfless sharing, support, and collegiality across our field that we seek to build at DLAC. Typically, nominators and nominees work in different schools/organizations. The nominator will submit a short video telling the story of why the nominee deserves this award. The winning nominator will be invited to tell that same story at the closing DLAC session. 

*Nominators of the Spirit of DLAC Award must be in attendance at DLAC 2025 during the luncheon on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 12:00pm ET in Atlanta, GA to present the winner.

Digital Learning Hall of Fame

The K-12 Digital Learning Hall of Fame, is an esteemed recognition dedicated to honoring the trailblazers and visionaries who have shaped the landscape of K-12 online and hybrid education worldwide. Our Hall of Fame celebrates the "Legends"—individuals whose pioneering efforts and enduring careers have laid the foundation for the growth and success of K-12 digital learning programs. These legends have not only contributed to the establishment of innovative educational models but have also made a lasting impact on the lives of students, educators, and communities across the globe.

The Hall of Fame seeks to recognize those whose work demonstrates exceptional leadership, influence, and dedication, ensuring that their legacy continues to inspire future generations of digital learning leaders.

Nomination Information

Click on the Submit Nomination button above to start your nomination.

Nominations must be submitted by January 6th, 2025 and will be announced at the DLAC luncheon at 12:00pm ET on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 in Atlanta, GA.

For questions regarding these awards, please contact dlc@evergreenedgroup.com.