Established over 35 years ago, the League’s Innovation of the Year Awards were devised as a way to recognize significant innovations at League Board and Alliance member colleges. The innovations reflect significant achievements and the spirit of innovation and experimentation upon which the League was founded. The award honors faculty, staff, and administrators at member colleges who have created and implemented innovative programs, practices, partnerships, policies, and activities that improve the institution’s ability to serve students and the community. Participation in these awards is a League membership benefit.

League Board and Alliance institutions submit a wide array of innovative initiatives each year for these awards. One of last year’s winning innovations was Carroll Community College’s Justice System to Careers Initiative, which bridges the gap between justice-involved citizens and access to sustainable, life-changing workforce training and career pathways. Another League Alliance member, Institute of Technical Education, recognized its IoT-enabled smart and scalable solution to monitor power consumption in real time, and significantly reduce carbon footprints and enhance sustainability. 

League Board and Alliance member colleges determine their own eligibility criteria and selection protocol, and each college or system submits its winning Innovation of the Year through our online system. One winner will be accepted from each college or district.

The designated Innovation of the Year Awards contact at each member institution is responsible for administering this award and submitting names. The 2025-2026 awards open on January 5, 2026. Click here to learn more.