Afterschool Excellence Awards
Every day, people across Michigan create places where young people can connect, explore, lead, and belong. The Afterschool Excellence Awards celebrate the individuals and organizations whose work makes those opportunities possible.
Know someone whose leadership, creativity, advocacy, or community partnerships deserve recognition? Nominate them for an Afterschool Excellence Award.
Award recipients will be recognized at the 2027 MAC Annual Conference.
Award categories
Mary Sutton Leadership Award
This award honors a leader who embodies the legacy of Mary Sutton through bold vision, strong relationship-building, and a deep commitment to equitable access to out-of-school time. Nominees demonstrate exceptional leadership that strengthens Michigan’s OST ecosystem, uplifts youth and caregivers, and moves the field forward with clarity, compassion, and courage.
Impact Award
The Impact Award recognizes an individual or organization whose work has created measurable, meaningful change for youth in their community. Nominees show how high-quality OST programming, intentional partnerships, and youth-driven practices can transform opportunities, expand access, and support young people in pursuing their goals.
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award celebrates an emerging leader in the OST field who is already making a strong positive difference. Nominees bring creativity, dedication, and a learner’s mindset to their work. They demonstrate tremendous promise, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a passion for supporting youth voice and leadership.
Community Engagement Award
The Community Engagement Award recognizes someone who actively brings communities together to support youth. Nominees excel at building trust, fostering partnerships, and creating welcoming environments where youth, caregivers, educators, and community members feel valued and connected. Their work strengthens belonging and expands the reach and impact of OST programs.
OST Advocate of the Year Award
This award honors an individual who uses their voice, relationships, and influence to advance out-of-school time across Michigan. Nominees champion youth, mobilize partners, and strengthen public understanding and support for OST. Their advocacy helps ensure that every young person has access to safe, enriching opportunities beyond the school day.
How to nominate
Choose the award that best fits the person or organization you want to recognize, then complete that category’s nomination form. Review the form for any category-specific questions or required materials before submitting.
Meet Past Afterschool Excellence Awardees
Looking for inspiration before you nominate someone? Meet the people and organizations recognized for their work in Michigan’s out-of-school time field: