SDP Award 2026 Submissions
Celebrating Evidence-Informed Excellence: The Strategic Data Impact Award
Strong data work is critical to successful strategy, innovation, and improvement—yet because so many of our successes are behind the scenes, data work is easy to take for granted and can be difficult to share and celebrate. We want to change that.
In 2026, we plan to spotlight current and former SDP Fellows who are using proof to guide decisions for positive impact.
We're looking for stories of compelling and inspirational projects led by SDP Fellows, current or alumni, within early education, K12, and/or postsecondary systems and agencies with potential for replication.
Nominations will be accepted through 11:45pm ET on January 12, 2026.
Regardless of the winner, we will share stories from across the network to elevate successes.
Eligibility and Competencies
Eligibility Criteria:
- Project lead is a current or former fellow (nominated or placed, data or agency fellow), sharing an inspirational story of emerging or clear impact in 2025. (Project does not need to have been completed at an organization affiliated with SDP.)
- Proposal leads must include the fellow/alum and a current leader from the current/former partner organization
Competencies:
- The project demonstrates the use of high-quality data to resolve or make progress toward addressing a pressing, widespread need in education (across or within the K12 and/or postsecondary fields).
- There is a clear challenge and/or analytic question that the agency was addressing.
- There is early or clear measurable, quality evidence of success and impact on an audience, such as students or teachers.
- The use of data is an inspirational model for others, and might use innovative models, make data more transparent and/or accessible to nontechnical audiences, or meet another need.
- The project concluded within the last year or is in progress with measurable impact.
- In line with our 2026 convening theme, Proof Positive, the project advances dialogue about our twin commitments to proof that guides decisions and positivity that sustains progress.
Submission Process
To begin the submission process, please complete this form no later than 11:45pm ET on January 12, 2026. In the submission form, you will be asked to elaborate on the project that showcases excellent use of data or evidence, including the success or early impact of that effort. Please note you will also submit a short video responding to some questions about the project impact, use of data and analysis, challenges, and how your time as a fellow contributed to the success of this project.
Submissions must also include a 1-2 page letter of support from a leadership member at the organization, speaking to the proof of impact, the positive outcomes, why this is an inspirational story for the field, and the role the SDP Fellow/SDP Alum played in the success of the work.
A panel of SDP staff will select which recipients to honor. Factors considered will include evidence of early success; impact on students, teachers, and/or leaders; technical innovation; and evidence of moving the needle on justice for students. Overall, we’re looking for a compelling and inspirational story with potential for replication.
The fellow/alum receiving the top honor will be announced at the SDP Convening May 13-14 2026, in Cambridge, MA, and will receive a spotlight on our website. Runner-ups may also be invited to lead a breakout session or participate on a panel of proof points.
If you know of a current or former fellow who has done impactful work, please encourage them to apply for the award!
Our work spans the education sector, and impact and excellence may appear in different ways. Whether it’s developing an innovative data tool, making a difficult decision in an evidence-based fashion, improving data privacy and governance, or generating high-impact insights that are changing local policy or implementation, we want to hear about it. Learn more about projects honored in previous years.
Questions? Email alison_segal@gse.harvard.edu