Education Excellence Awards

Overview

Program Details

Application

The SET SEG Foundation partners with the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) to recognize outstanding Michigan public school programs through the Education Excellence Awards. Each year, 12 innovative programs from Michigan public schools and/or ISDs are selected for awards based on their positive impact on students and communities.

Award recipients receive $2,500, a commemorative trophy, and a street sign announcing the district as an Education Excellence winner.

Congratulations to the Recipients of the 2026 Education Excellence Awards!

Eligibility Requirements

Your program/creative approach must take place within a K-12 public or intermediate school district in Michigan
Your program/creative approach must be deployed/in operation during 2026
Districts that have won in the past are eligible as long as eligibility requirements are met

Criteria

We are looking for original programs that change lives and impact students’ futures. Whether it is district or teacher-led, or even student-initiated, we want to hear from schools showcasing innovative techniques that leave a lasting impact.

The winning programs must demonstrate growth in one or more of the following categories:

Education (STEAM and Literacy)
Social Responsibility
Mental and Behavioral Health Awareness and Prevention
Community Impact

Awards

$2,500 to expand and enhance your program
Commemorative trophy
Education Excellence Award road sign
Congratulatory email to your principal and superintendent

Recognition of Award

SET SEG will present awards on-site during district board meetings.

Media Recognition

Winners are provided:

A template press release to submit to your district’s local news
Recognition on SET SEG Foundation social media
Press releases sent to SET SEG’s partners, including the Michigan Association of School Boards, Michigan Association of School Administrators, Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, and Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association

Grant Process

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges involved in public education in Michigan
Submissions will be scored based on criteria and point allocations for each question within the application.

Timeline

Application opens in September
Deadline is in December

Quick Look

Application Open

September

Deadline

December

Award

Winners receive $2,500, a commemorative trophy, and a street sign announcing the district as an Education Excellence winner.

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Application

Contact Info

* REQUIRED

School Name

School District

Street Address

City

ZIP

School Phone

Program/Creative Approach Title

Program/Creative Approach Lead Coordinator

Lead Coordinator's Title

Lead Coordinator's Phone

Lead Coordinator's Email

Principal's Name

Principal's Email

Superintendent's Name

Superintendent's Email

I understand that by submitting this application, information about my program will be made public if it is awarded a grant. Additionally, the program coordinator may be contacted by other districts or for more information.I understand

If you selected other, please specify:

How long has your program/creative approach been in operation?

How many students have participated so far?

In 500 words or less, explain your program/creative approach, how it operates, and how it impacts students, teachers, and/or the community.

In 100 words or less, explain the goal of your program/creative approach.

In 500 words or less, explain how you plan to continue your program/creative approach and expand on opportunities utilizing the $2,500 Education Excellence grant.

Use the following file uploads to submit any images, supporting resources, and/or documentation:

Education Excellence Awards

Quick Look

Application

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