Academic Awards

For 40 years, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence has honored top public school educators and students at its flagship event, the Academic Awards Celebration. The 2026 celebration took place Saturday, May 2, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

This inspiring event showcases the brilliance and positive impact of Oklahoma’s public schools. At the Academic Awards Celebration, OFE presents:

• $1,500 cash award to each of the 100 Academic All-State scholars selected from Oklahoma’s public high school graduating seniors. All-State Application and Criteria
• $5,000 cash award and Medal for Excellence to five public school educators, one each at the elementary, secondary, community college/regional university and research university teaching levels along with an elementary/secondary administrator. Medal for Excellence Nomination and Guidelines
• $2,000 cash award to one or more outstanding Oklahoma school foundation programs.
  Outstanding Program Award Application and Criteria

Since 1987, the foundation has awarded more than $5.4 million in academic awards.