ACEI Awards and Grants

Awards and Grants for Individuals for Individuals

Outstanding Member Service Award

This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding contributions made by an ACEI member to the betterment of children, the field of education, and ACEI. Winners, approved by the Executive Board, are recognized at the Annual Conference Business Meeting. The deadline for nominations is February 15. Note: This award should not be confused with similar awards that ACEI Branches bestow to recognize the accomplishments of local members.

Elizabeth Breathwaite Mini-Grant

Two mini-grants of $500 each are available annually to ACEI members for the implementation of outstanding educational experiences for children. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of quality and importance to children's education. Funded proposals must be described in an article to be published by ACEI or presented at the Annual Conference. Priority will be given to those who have not been awarded a grant in the past three years. Project proposals, including a description and potential outcomes, must reach ACEI Headquarters by February 15.

Elizabeth Breathwaite Student Leadership Award

Student Leadership Awards ($300) are available to college students who are ACEI members. The award must be used to help defray the costs of attending the Annual Conference. In addition, the awardees' conference registration fee will be waived. Winners are recognized in the ACEI Exchange, as well as at the conference. Criteria to select finalists include: evidence of leadership and participation in professional, social, and civic activities; school activities; letters of recommendation; interest in teaching or child-related occupations; and ACEI activities. Application deadline: November 15.

ACEI Friends of Children Award

This award was established to honor a non-ACEI member who works outside the field of education, whose work has had significant impact on the quality of life of children, and who demonstrates a commitment to children on a national or international level. Nominations should be submitted by an ACEI member to Headquarters by February 15. This award will be presented at the Annual Conference.

Patty Smith Hill Award

This award is intended to recognize one truly outstanding ACEI member each year who has contributed significantly to the betterment of ACEI and children. Final selection is made by the Executive Board. The qualifications include membership in ACEI for 20 years or more; exemplary, consistent contributions to the organization; and achievements in the field of childhood education that have brought recognition to ACEI. Required nomination materials include: a letter of nomination, current curriculum vitae, and a summary of contributions to ACEI. The winner will be announced at the Annual Conference. This award may be presented posthumously. Nomination deadline: February 15.

Roll of Honor

Deceased ACEI members who served the Association with distinction and contributed significantly to the betterment of children can be nominated to have their names inscribed on the Roll of Honor and included in the Book of Remembrances. To nominate an individual, please submit a contribution to the ACEI Memorial Endowment Fund, a letter of intent, and a completed recommendation form to ACEI Headquarters. Nominees are approved by the Executive Board.

ACEI Branch Awards

ACEI Branch Excellence Award

Presented to Branches that meets the following criteria:

Annual Branch report submitted to ACEI by June 15;
Officers' Roster submitted by June 15;
Branch Financial Report and June 30 Bank Statements submitted to ACEI by July 15;
article submitted to "Branches in Action" in the ACEI Exchange;
increase in branch membership during previous year;
Branch hosts, sponsors, or participates in at least one event that directly benefits children and/or teachers.

ACEI Headquarters staff tracks the progress of each Branch. All Branches that meet these criteria will win this award and be given a certificate and a $100 prize. Selection is based on the date Annual Reports are received by Headquarters.

Guidelines for all other Branch Awards

All award submissions for consideration must be made by March 15.
Submissions are reviewed at the ACEI Annual Conference.
Winners are announced at the Annual Conference Business Meeting.
Judges include staff from the Membership Department and one member from the Presidents' Council, Membership and Program Development Committees. (If a submission is from a Branch that one of the judges belongs to, that judge will be excluded from judging.)
Winners will be recognized in the ACEI Exchange.
Winners receive a Certificate of Recognition and a check for $50 to be used to promote future Branch programs (Branch Excellence Award is $100).
Entries can only be applied to one award.
Projects and activities must be described in writing.
Sample materials (where applicable) are required as supplements to the write-ups.
All Branch annual reports must be submitted.
Contact the Branch Relations Manager with questions, or to request a Branch Award Booklet and application.

Best Professional Development Workshop/Conference Award

For the Branch that holds the best professional development workshop or conference. Presentations must focus on education topics or professional development (e.g., stress management). Judges evaluate content, creativity, and attendance. The judges also take into account the size of the Branch's membership. A write-up is required. $50 award.

Best Use of ACEI Materials Award

Given to the Branch that makes the best use of ACEI materials--e.g., annual reports, membership rosters, mailing labels, journals, newsletters, member profile cards, conference announcements, postcards, logos, or Branch manual materials. Branches must report how they used the materials to promote ACEI. $50 award.

Best Publicity Award

For the Branch that demonstrates the best use of a press release or flier and receives the most coverage by the local media. Branches must submit copies of press releases or fliers, as well as newspaper clippings, and a brief write-up explaining why their Branch deserves the award. $50 award.

Best Communications Award

For the Branch that best communicates with its membership through newsletters, telephone calls, letters, etc. Branches must submit a brief write-up describing their activities. $50 award.

Best "Global Focus" Award

Given to the Branch that implements a project to foster better global awareness. For example, a Branch could adopt a "sister" Branch in another country, sponsor a new member overseas, or share information on education issues of mutual concern to those in another country. A write-up of the project is required to qualify. $50 award.

Best Mentor Program

The award is applicable to any mentoring program that a Branch conducts that directly benefits children or assists a college student or first-year teacher. A write-up describing the program is required. $50 award.

Best Fundraiser Award

In recognition of the Branch that holds the most successful fundraiser. Money raised must stem from an original idea; i.e., the Branch cannot sell ACEI Publications to qualify. A write-up describing the event and how much money was raised is required. $50 award.

Best New Branch Award

Did you start a new student or professional Branch this year? If so, your Branch may qualify for this award. New Branches are evaluated on the basis of a 12-month period, and the Branch with the most new members wins. It's that easy! Headquarters will verify membership counts. $50 award.

Best Children's Event/Community Service

Presented to the Branch that sponsors the best event that directly benefits children. Judges take into consideration the creativity of the event and children's attendance. A write-up is required. $50 award.

See Appendix 3 for Additional Information and Applications.

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