2025 Afterschool Excellence Awards
Rules and Requirements
The nomination application and any additional materials must be submitted using the links below. All award finalists will be selected by a committee. Finalists and their nominators will be notified by email.
Individual nominations must come from someone other than the nominee
Those submitting a nomination and those awardees grant the Michigan Afterschool Partnership permission to use any of the submitted materials (not protected by copyright) in advertisements and/or promotions without compensation or notification. Such advertisements or promotions may include internet/social media announcements of the Awards of Excellence or the conference, as well as print materials distributed at or in promotion of the events.
Timeline
December 4, 2024: Online submission portal opens
January 22, 2025: Award nominations applications close
Febrarury 28, 2025: Awards are presented
Awards
Mary Sutton Leadership Award
This award spotlights an individual who has shown leadership excellence in the out-of-school time field. The winner of this award:
Has 5+ years of leadership experience in the field of out-of-school time programs.
Understands the critical value of quality out-of-school time programs for the developmental needs of youth.
Has made significant contributions to the out-of-school time field. This could entail being actively engaged with a youth development organization, providing training in the out-of-school time field, or advocating for the out-of-school time movement and profession.
Community Engagement Award
This award spotlights an innovative person or program within their community. The winner of this award:
Is implementing programming and/or partnerships to encourage deeper learning in project or service-based activities that challenge young people to make a positive impact.
Has identifiable community presence.
Shows impact within their community.
Rising Star (New Staff) Award
This award spotlights a staff member new to the out-of-school time profession. The winner of this award:
Has worked in an out-of-school time program for no more than two years.
Currently works in a public, private, faith-based, community based, school-based, neighborhood located, community-based, or military-based out-of-school time program.
Impact Award
This award spotlights an organization, department, program or individual site’s excellence/impact fullness. The winner of this award:
Has operated for at least two years.
Can be public, private, faith-based, school-based, neighborhood located, community-based, or military-based.
Demonstrates impact to meet the needs of children, youth, and families in their community