2026 NAEHCY Award Nominations
38th Annual NAEHCY Conference
Pathways With Promise: Centering Students, Strengthening Systems
Each year, NAEHCY recognizes individuals whose dedication, leadership, and expertise have made a meaningful and lasting difference in the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness.
The NAEHCY Awards honor professionals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to advancing educational access, stability, and success for students. We invite you to help us celebrate these outstanding leaders by submitting a nomination for the 2026 awards.
Submit a Nomination
When ready, email your completed nomination to awards@naehcy.org. Be sure to include the name of the award category in the subject line and attach all required documents.
Nominations for the 2026 NAEHCY Awards are now open. Please review the information below before submitting your nomination materials.
General Guidelines
Nominations will be accepted through Friday, July 17, 2026 at 11:59 pm (EDT).
Award recipients will be recognized at the 38th Annual NAEHCY Conference, taking place October 31 – November 3, 2026 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
The following awards will be presented:
- McKinney-Vento State Coordinator of the Year
- McKinney-Vento Liaison of the Year
- Sandra Neese Lifetime Achievement Award
McKinney-Vento Liaison of the Year nominations must be submitted by State Coordinators. Each State Coordinator may submit up to three nominations, with a separate submission required for each nominee.
Nominations for all other categories may be submitted by any NAEHCY member or recent conference participant. Only one nomination per category may be submitted by each individual.
Nominations should clearly highlight the nominee’s impact on educational outcomes for children and youth experiencing homelessness.
Nominees are not required to meet every listed criterion. The criteria are intended to serve as general guidance.
Individuals who submit nominations for selected award recipients will be notified by mid-September, in advance of the annual conference.
All nominations must be submitted electronically.
Required Nomination Materials
Each nomination must include the following:
- A minimum of three and a maximum of five letters of support
- A narrative outlining each of the following:
- The relationship between the nominator and the nominee
- A detailed description of how the nominee meets or exceeds the criteria for the award
- A clear explanation of why the nominee should be selected
- Evidence of the outcomes and impact of the nominee’s work
- A high-resolution headshot of the nominee (.jpg, .tif, or .png)
- Optional materials such as videos, presentations, or additional documentation may also be included to strengthen the nomination.
Award Categories and Criteria
2026 McKinney-Vento State Coordinator of the Year
Eligibility Requirements
The nominee must serve as a McKinney-Vento State Coordinator responsible for overseeing the Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) program and have at least three years of experience in this role.
Selection Criteria
Nominees demonstrate:
- Respect and recognition within their professional community
- Deep understanding of the challenges facing children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness
- Strong knowledge of policies at the state and local levels
- Recognized expertise and ability to support academic success
- Leadership in cross-system collaboration and program implementation
- Innovation and excellence in implementing the McKinney-Vento Act
2026 McKinney-Vento Liaison of The Year
Eligibility Requirements
The nominee must be a McKinney-Vento liaison with at least three years of experience. Nominations must be submitted by a State Coordinator, with a maximum of three submissions per state.
Selection Criteria
Nominees demonstrate:
- Positive impact within their school system and community
- Strong understanding of the needs of students and families experiencing homelessness
- Knowledge of policies affecting educational access and stability
- Effective support for academic success and coordination across systems
- Leadership and innovation in program implementation
2026 The Sandra Neese Lifetime Achievement Award
Eligibility Requirements
Nominees may include State Coordinators, liaisons, or other leaders who have made significant contributions to the field, with a minimum of ten years of experience supporting children and youth experiencing homelessness.
Selection Criteria
Nominees demonstrate:
- Broad respect and recognition within the field
- A deep and sustained commitment to advocacy and service
- Leadership and innovation in advancing the McKinney-Vento Act
- A lasting impact on children, youth, and communities
- The spirit of dedication and compassion reflected in Sandra Neese’s legacy
About the Sandra Neese Award
Sandra Neese was a founding member of Nevada’s homeless youth education office in 1988. For the next 10 years, she gave of herself tirelessly so that all children in this region may have what most take for granted: safety, shelter, and a future. A child advocate at heart, she was a professor at the University of Nevada, Reno and established a mentor program for student athletes that thrives to this day.
She was also a founding board member of Community Chest, Inc. in 1991, the location of Nevada’s homeless youth education office, and rural non-profit agency serving children and families in northern Nevada. She loved the outdoors, New York City, ballroom dancing, and traveling. In the fall of 1998, Sandra faced her greatest challenge: a cancer that would not relent. I have never seen a woman display more courage in the face of death. Giving of herself to the end, she personified what it means to leave the world a better place.
In memory of her magnanimous spirit, Community Chest, Inc. established the Sandra Neese Lifetime Achievement Award to honor people like Sandra who have given so much of their lives so that young people without shelter may find the promise of tomorrow.
(Shaun Griffin, Community Chest, Inc. – Published in “The Beam,” October 1999)
Recognize Excellence
The NAEHCY Awards are an opportunity to elevate the work of leaders who are making a difference every day. We encourage you to take part in recognizing excellence across our network.
Submit your nomination and help us celebrate those who are creating pathways with promise for students nationwide.
Nominations will be accepted through Friday, July 17, 2026 at 11:59 pm (EDT).