The League for Innovation in the Community College announces the 2025-2026 Innovation of the Year Award winners, recognizing programs and practices that transform bold ideas into measurable progress for students and communities. Each year, the League honors innovations from Board and Alliance member colleges that combine purposeful experimentation with responsiveness to local needs and a clear focus on outcomes. This year’s recipients—individuals and teams from 26 institutions—demonstrate how innovative thinking can drive meaningful gains in student success, workforce readiness, and community engagement.

Colleges establish their own selection processes, ensuring that each recognized innovation is grounded in local priorities and needs. The League amplifies these efforts by showcasing the innovations and associated recipients on its website, in the League Awards Program, and at the annual Innovations Conference. Each recipient is honored with a commemorative pin, an award certificate and badge, and a copy of the League Awards Program, marking both achievement and inspiration for the field at large.

Lead image: Innovators from Carol Community College