NAEPSDP members are doing great work and we want to recognize those accomplishments through our Awards programs. An overview of and the qualifications for each award is provided below. Please carefully review the guidelines and apply yourself or nominate a fellow member.

APPLICATION DUE DATE:  August 15, 2025, 11:59EST

NAEPSDP Outstanding Contributor Award (Click here to submit)— This award is the most prestigious award given by NAEPSDP. It recognizes individuals who initiate and develop creative ways to enrich the learning process. Efforts may focus on innovative programming or tools for staff development, evaluation, or administrative processes at local, regional, state or national level. The award, which includes a plaque and a cash award of $500, is presented at the NAEPSDP Annual meeting. 

NAEPSDP Past Presidents Early Career Award (Click here to submit)—This award recognizes an Extension professional with less than 10 years of experience in the profession who has made notable contributions to the profession. Nominees must be paid members in good standing with the organization (current year’s dues paid) and must have held membership in the Association for a minimum of two (2) years during the 10-year period. Self-nominations are accepted. The award, which includes a plaque and a cash award of $300, is presented at the NAEPSDP Annual Meeting. 

NAEPSDP Excellence in Extension Staff Development Award (Click here to submit) — This award recognizes individuals who use creativity, innovation, and evidence to develop and deliver staff development initiatives that strengthen the employee capacity of Cooperative Extension systems. Efforts may focus on innovative initiatives, tools, assessments, practices, and/or other products for staff development at the local, regional, state or national level. The award, which includes a plaque and a cash award of $300, is presented at the NAEPSDP Annual Meeting. 

First Time Attendee Award (Click here to submit) -- This award recognizes individuals who are attending an in-person conference for the first time, even if they have attended a virtual conference in the past.  Fulltime professionals must be a current active member. Membership dues for the calendar year in which the conference takes place must be paid prior to submitting the application. Students may also apply and need not be a member of the Association.  THIS APPLICATION IS DUE AUGUST 29, 2025, 11:59 PM ET. 

Questions regarding these awards should be directed to:

Vikram Koundinya, Co-Chair (vkoundinya@ucdavis.edu)
Najat Elgeberi, Co-Chair (nelgeberi@unr.edu)

NAEPSDP Awards & Recognition Committee Co-Chairs