Each year, the School-Based Health Alliance (SBHA) honors three individuals at our National School-Based Healthcare Conference through three awards: Lifetime Achievement, Rising Star, and Champion. In 2026, SBHA is introducing two new awards highlighting the work of youth: the Trailblazer and Together We Lead awards. This website outlines the nomination and selection process for the awards.
National School-Based Healthcare
Conference Awards
Lifetime Achievement Award
SBHA’s Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates a leader who has demonstrated a strong commitment to making an impact in the school-based healthcare field. Such leaders are innovative, dedicated, collaborative advocates who go ‘above and beyond’ to manifest the vision of high-quality school-based healthcare for all young people.
Eligible nominees:
- Demonstrated leadership impact in the SBHC Field
- At least 15 years of service in the school-based healthcare field
Individuals not eligible for this award include:
- Less than 15 years in the Field
- Current and active members of School-Based Health Alliance’s Board of Directors and staff
- Individuals who have previously received SBHA’s Lifetime Achievement Award
For each question, please submit 250- 500 words
- How does the nominee innovatively promote a culture of health across their school community, state, AND the national school-based healthcare field? (Please include specific examples)
- Describe how the nominee collaboratively motivates and inspires others in their work. (Please include specific examples)
Rising Star Award
SBHA’s Rising Star Award celebrates early to mid-level individuals in their school-based healthcare careers and demonstrates significant contributions to advancing the Field. Such individuals demonstrate emerging leadership and the ability to develop innovative strategies to address pressing issues in school-based healthcare.
Eligible nominees:
- Demonstrated excellence in their contribution to addressing issues in the field using creative and innovative approaches
- Up to seven years in the school-based healthcare field
- Holds a position in the school-based healthcare field at the national, state, and/or local level
Individuals not eligible for this award include:
- More than seven years in the Field
- Current and active members of School-Based Health Alliance’s Board of Directors and staff
- Individuals who have previously received SBHA’s Rising Star Award
For each question, please submit 250-500 words.
- How does the nominee innovatively promote a culture of health across their school community, state, and/or the national school-based healthcare field? (Please include specific examples)
- Describe how the nominee collaboratively motivates and inspires others in their work. (Please include specific examples)
School-Based Healthcare Champion Award
SBHA’s School-Based Healthcare Champion Award recognizes an individual who develops and leads impactful partnerships with the school-based healthcare field. Such individuals from the education, healthcare, public health, or other related sectors demonstrate innovative strategies and dedication to collaboration to deliver comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services to schools.
Eligible nominees:
- Demonstrated development and sustainability of impactful partnerships with the school-based healthcare field
- Holds a position in education, healthcare, public health, or other related sector that collaborates with school-based healthcare
- Minimum of 5 years in their Field
Individuals not eligible for this award include:
- Works directly in the school-based healthcare field (e.g., SBHC nurse practitioner, SBHC Director, SBHC health educator)
- Current and active members of School-Based Health Alliance’s Board of Directors and staff.
- Individuals who have previously received SBHA’s School-Based Healthcare Champion award
For each question, please submit 250-500 words.
- How does the nominee innovatively promote a culture of health by acting as a champion for impactful partnerships with the school-based healthcare field? (Please include specific examples)
- Describe how the nominee collaboratively motivates and inspires others as a champion to bring high-quality healthcare services to schools. (Please include specific examples)
Trailblazer Award
This award recognizes outstanding young leaders with exceptional commitment to promoting health and wellness alongside their school-based health center. The recipient took the initiative to improve access to health services, raise awareness of important health issues, and works collaboratively to improve the well-being of their peers and the broader community. Through their leadership, they have fostered a healthier, more supportive school environment and inspired others to act for the health and well-being of all.
Eligible nominees:
- Aged 14-18, a current high school student or recent graduate
- Worked alongside their school-based health center to create a healthier school and community
Individuals not eligible for this award include:
- Current and active members of School-Based Health Alliance’s Youth Advisory Council
For each question, please submit 250-500 words.
- Please describe how the nominee has demonstrated leadership within their school-based health center or school community. Include specific actions or initiatives they led or helped organize, including outcomes and impacts, and address what makes the nominee stand out as a leader.
- Describe how the nominee has worked collaboratively with peers, school staff, SBHC providers, or community partners to promote health and wellness.
Together We Lead Award
This award honors a group of dedicated young leaders or a youth advisory council that has demonstrated exceptional teamwork, leadership, and commitment to advancing their school-based health center’s work. Through collaborative efforts, they have implemented innovative programs, advocated for improved health services, and empowered their peers to take charge of their health and wellness. The group’s collective vision and actions have positively impacted the school community, creating a more inclusive, supportive, and healthier environment for all students.
Eligible nominees:
- Groups with two or more members aged 14-18, includes current high school students or recent graduates
- Are members of a leadership group or Youth Advisory Council associated with a school-based health center
Individuals not eligible for this award include:
- Current and active members of School-Based Health Alliance’s Youth Advisory Council
For each question, please submit 250-500 words.
- Please describe the group’s purpose, structure, and how members work together to support the school-based health center.
- Describe one or more innovative programs, campaigns, or initiatives the group has implemented to advance student health and wellness. Include specifics on the background and topic, the students’ work, and any outcomes.
- Describe the impact the group has had on the school environment, student well-being, or access to health services.