The University's Office for Public Engagement administers public engagement awards that recognize the breadth and depth of community-engaged research, teaching, and service across the University system. Find the categories below and click on the award name to submit a nomination. The 2027 nomination window will open in Fall 2026.
Award categories
Community-Engaged Scholar Awards
- President’s Community-Engaged Scholar Award
This career award recognizes one scholar for exemplary community-engaged scholarship in their respective field(s) of inquiry. The President's award is the highest recognition for community-engaged scholarship at the University of Minnesota.
- Community-Engaged Scholar Award: Research and Creative Activities
This award recognizes one scholar annually for exemplary community-engaged scholarship in their respective field(s) of inquiry.
- Community-Engaged Scholar Award: Teaching and Learning
This award recognizes one instructor annually for exemplary community-engaged teaching in their respective field(s) of inquiry.
- Community-Engaged Scholar Award: Early Career
This award recognizes one early-career scholar annually for exemplary community-engaged scholarship in their respective field(s) of inquiry.
- Community-Engaged Scholar Award: Graduate Student
This award recognizes one graduate student annually for exemplary community-engaged scholarship connected to their field of study.
- Community-Engaged Scholar Award: Undergraduate Student
This award recognizes one undergraduate student annually for exemplary community-engaged scholarship connected to their field of study.
Exemplary Community-Engaged Professional Award
This award recognizes an individual staff member for an exemplary community-engaged program or project.
Exemplary University-Community Partnership Award
This award recognizes one project/program annually for exemplary community-university that embodies the University of Minnesota’s public engagement definition: “The partnership of university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.”
Societal Impact Award
This award recognizes an individual researcher, a collaboration among individuals, or a particular research project or program for exemplary academically-based community-engaged service and outreach.