About the award
The Opportunities and Impact Award honors NCAA member institutions and conference offices that put sustained effort into elevating student-athlete voices and building environments of belonging and well-being.
Eligibility and how to nominate
Who’s eligible
- NCAA member institution or conference office
- Demonstrates a continued commitment to sustaining cultures of belonging and well-being
- Efforts may include programming, initiatives, community engagement and professional development
How to nominate
Submit nominations online through Program Hub. Athletics departments and conference offices can nominate themselves.
Nomination packet must include:
- Completed online form (Program Hub)
- Two letters of support:
- One letter from a program participant
- One letter from a campus or community partner
What we look for
Nominations are evaluated across five dimensions of sustained, intentional impact.
Visible commitment from athletics leadership.
Ongoing measurement and reflection on goals.
Programs that build community and growth.
Effective campus and community partnerships.
Goals and benchmarks of data that sustain or create cultures of belonging and well-being.
Three institutions. One shared commitment.
The 2026 honorees were recognized across all three NCAA divisions for sustained work elevating student-athlete voices and building cultures of belonging and well-being.
- Division I — Big Ten Conference
- Division II — Saint Michael’s College
- Division III — Occidental College
Important dates
Nominations open: October 27, 2025
Nominations close: December 20, 2025
Honorees announced: February 26, 2026
Honorees Recognized:
June 7, 2026
MOAA Symposium – Mandalay Bay Resort, Las Vegas, NV
See every recipient since the Opportunities and Impact Award began.