Inspiration Awards
Recognizing and honoring the most improved schools in America
The College Board Inspiration Awards celebrate the extraordinary commitment of educators and communities to their students' futures. Despite sometimes overwhelming odds, these outstanding schools across America are taking remarkable steps to give their students the bright futures they deserve.
"Our successful school communities are celebrated far too rarely," says College Board President Gaston Caperton. "The Inspiration Awards were created to celebrate America's most remarkable schools and to share their stories as inspiration for educators, parents and communities to do all we can to connect young people with college success."
Each spring the College Board presents Inspiration Awards to three of America's most improved secondary schools. Award-winning schools are recognized for their outstanding college preparation programs and partnerships among teachers, parents, and community organizations. Through their dedication and commitment, these school communities have opened doors to higher education for students facing economic, social, and cultural barriers by:
- Improving their academic environment
- Helping a significant percentage of seniors realize the promise of higher education
Winning schools are selected by a panel of independent experts and are announced each April. Three winning schools receive $25,000; five schools receive $1,000 honorable mention awards.
Eligibility and application process
- Applicant schools must be secondary schools in the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.
- A minimum of 40 percent of the school's student population must qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
- The school must demonstrate consistent growth across the entire student population in:
- Participation in rigorous curriculum, such as the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) or International Baccalaureate (IB)1
- Participation in college preparatory coursework
- Students admitted to two- or four-year institutions of higher education
- Applicant schools must have graduated at least five senior classes.
- Schools with an academic admissions policy are not eligible.
- Previous recipients of the College Board's Inspiration Awards are not eligible, but Honorable Mention winners and schools that have applied in the past can and are encouraged to reapply.
1. International Baccalaureate (IB) is a registered trademark of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and not affiliated with the College Board.