The purpose of these awards is to recognize the outstanding work of MNYCCPOA members while fostering our mission of professional growth and the exchange of ideas, information, and creative solutions around career development.

AWARDS DESCRIPTION:

Three awardees will be selected from the following categories: 

1. New Program Award–Recognizes a programmatic initiative launched within the past two years that significantly enhances a career services office’s ability to support the professional development of students and/or alumni.

2. Employer Engagement Award–Recognizes innovative and impactful partnerships or engagement strategies with employers that enhance internship, job, or experiential learning opportunities for students and/or alumni.

3. Career Readiness Award—Recognizes innovative best practices in supporting and promoting career readiness through coaching with students and/or alumni, preparing them for careers or internships.

4. Technology Award—Recognizes excellence in implementing best practices using technology, including systems, platforms, social media, or other digital tools.

5. Equity and Inclusion Award—Recognizes outstanding efforts and achievements in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the fields of career services and professional development.

6. Research and Presentation Award–Recognizes outstanding research contributions, including theses, dissertations, and graduate-level research projects, as well as professional presentations delivered by members at conferences. Eligible research work and outcomes must be conducted within the applicant’s affiliated university or college.

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Awards of $1,000 for the three selected submissions will be made to the member’s school/organization.

Please note: If you are not a current MNYCCPOA member, you may apply with a sponsor from MNYCCPOA. If selected, your membership fee will be deducted from the award amount.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

• Professional development of the applicant(s)
• Impact on the target population
• Effectiveness in objectives and outcomes met
• Creativity and innovation

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit your application here.

DEADLINE:
Applications must be submitted by April 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM. 

AWARDS PRESENTATION:
Awards will be presented at the 2026 Spring Conference. 

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For more information, contact the Alva C. Cooper Committee at: alvaccooper@mnyccpoa.org 
Committee Chair: Urszula Zalewski, Director of Experiential Education, Stony Brook University