Award Submissions

The CalSPRA Awards of Excellence submission portal is now open and will remain open through Saturday, October 31st at 11:59 p.m. Extensions will not be granted.

Member cost: $75.00

Non-member cost: $125.00

Recognitions

Organizational Recognition

1. Comprehensive Programs or Campaigns - apply the four-step process in your submission.

• Bond/finance election campaign
• Community outreach and public engagement initiative
• Comprehensive, strategic, year-round communication program
• Crisis communication and response
• Customer service program
• DEI campaign
• Education advocacy programs/coalition
• Internal communication program
• Marketing/branding campaign
• Parent involvement campaigns/program
• School safety and wellness program
• Social media campaign
• Special event
• Staff and student recognition program

2. Tactics - discuss audience, distribution, and impact in your submission

• Annual Report
• Branding/Image Package
• Calendar
• DEI Feature or Multilingual Materials
• Excellence in Writing
• Finance Publication
• Handbook
• Infographic
• Magazine
• Marketing Material
• Newsletter
• News Release
• Photo
• Podcast
• Social Media
• Special Purpose Publication
• Video (Singular)
• Video (Series)
• Website

Project Eligibility

Projects eligible for submission must have been completed between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026 (the 2025-26 school year). It is okay if the project was started before July 1, 2025.

Individual Recognition

Our Special Individual Recognition awards are nomination-based and are free to enter.

Individual nomination awards are open for the Emerging Communicator of the Year, Communicator of the Year, Superintendent to Watch, and CalSPRA Distinguished Service Award. Emerging Communicator of the Year nominations not selected for the final award may be considered for the Rising Star Award. Only one Rising Star Award will be given to an individual during their time as a CalSPRA member.

Emerging Communicator of the Year

Recognizes a school communication professional with 1-4 years of experience who has contributed to the profession and is expected to continue advancing it. The CalSPRA executive board selects the winner from the nominees.

Superintendent to Watch

Honorees are school district leaders with fewer than five years of experience as a superintendent who demonstrate dynamic, fast-paced leadership with strong communication at its core.

Communicator of the Year

Recognizes a school communication professional with five or more years of experience who has demonstrably contributed to the school communication profession. The CalSPRA executive board selects the winner from the nominees.