Our excellence awards recognize exceptional credit and non-credit programs and outstanding marketing achievements in continuing education. They celebrates innovative programs that meet diverse student needs, promote lifelong learning, and demonstrate best practices in curriculum design, and honour effective marketing strategies that enhance the reputation and enrolment of continuing education in Canada. By honouring excellence, we aim to inspire and promote the continuous improvement, development and marketing of educational programs that meet the diverse needs of learners.
New for 2025, we are proud to introduce an affiliate member stream as part of our excellence awards program. In addition to our institutional members, affiliate members may also submit to the program excellence awards and the marketing excellence awards.
Applications open in mid-December and the deadline is February 15 of each year.
Program excellence award
The program excellence award recognizes exceptional credit and non-credit programs in the field of continuing education. We celebrate programs that show exceptional quality, innovation, and impact on learners. This award commemorates initiatives that effectively meet the needs of diverse student populations, promote lifelong learning, and contribute to personal and professional development. Programs eligible for this award should demonstrate best practices in curriculum design, delivery, and assessment.
This award celebrates programs that demonstrate best practices in curriculum design, delivery, and assessment, aligning with the values of inclusivity, equity and accessibility.
Each year, we honor outstanding achievements with three prestigious awards: Gold, Silver, and Bronze, recognizing exceptional contributions at every level. At the discretion of the Excellence Awards Committee an honorable mention may be awarded.
This award honours programs that exhibit exceptional quality, innovation, and impact on learners, and is given to initiatives that meet the diverse needs of students, promote lifelong learning, and contribute to personal and professional development.
Proposal submission components
Awards Application Abstract (250 words)
Provide a summary of the program, including the program’s goals, structure (credit or non-credit), target audience, and delivery method (e.g., in-person, online, hybrid).
Explain how the program aligns with your institution’s mission and CAUCE’s vision of lifelong learning.
Program Quality (200 words)
Describe the key elements that contribute to the program’s high-quality curriculum, delivery, and assessment methods.
Discuss how the program ensures academic rigor and learner engagement.
Innovation in Program Design and Delivery (200 words)
Explain any innovative aspects of the program, such as curriculum development, instructional design, or unique delivery formats.
Provide examples of how these innovations have enhanced the learning experience.
Impact on Learners (200 words)
Provide data or qualitative evidence of the program’s impact on learners, including professional/personal development and career progression.
Discuss learner feedback or testimonials that demonstrate the program’s effectiveness.
Inclusivity, Equity, and Accessibility (200 words)
Describe how the program addresses the needs of diverse student populations and ensures equitable access.
Provide examples of efforts to reduce barriers to participation, such as offering flexible scheduling, financial support, or targeted outreach to underrepresented groups.
Longevity and/or Scalability (100 words)
Discuss the potential for scaling the program to reach a broader audience or its ability to sustain success over time.
Highlight any plans for future development or expansion.
Adjudication Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5 or 1 to 3 based on the following criteria, with a maximum possible score of 26 points.
| Criteria | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Program Quality | Demonstrates high-quality curriculum design, delivery, and assessment methods. | 1 to 5 |
| Innovation in Program Design | Shows creativity or innovation in program development and delivery. | 1 to 5 |
| Impact on Learners | Significant contribution to learner outcomes, personal/professional development, or lifelong learning | 1 to 5 |
| Inclusivity and Accessibility | Program reaches and supports diverse and underrepresented learner groups. | 1 to 5 |
| Alignment with CAUCE Values | Aligns with CAUCE’s mission and vision, particularly in advancing lifelong learning and readiness. | 1 to 3 |
| Longevity and Scalability | Demonstrates potential for longevity and ability to scale the program for wider audiences. | 1 to 3 |
Submission limits
Institutional members may submit up to two (2) applications to the program excellence awards. Affiliate members may submit one (1) application to the program excellence awards.
Marketing excellence award
The marketing excellence award recognizes outstanding achievements in marketing within the field of continuing education, to celebrate innovative and effective marketing strategies that have successfully promoted continuing education institutions, units and/or programs, increased enrolment, and enhanced the reputation.
This award celebrates campaigns that demonstrate strategic planning, creativity, and measurable results, that aligns with values of inclusivity, equity and accessibility.
Each year, we honor outstanding achievements with three prestigious awards: Gold, Silver, and Bronze, recognizing exceptional contributions at every level. At the discretion of the Excellence Awards Committee an honorable mention may be awarded.
This award honours innovative and effective marketing strategies that have enhanced institutional visibility and reputation, successfully promoted continuing education programs, and increased enrolment. It honours campaigns that demonstrate strategic planning, creative implementation and measurable results.
Proposal submission components
Awards Application Abstract (250 words)
Briefly describe the marketing campaign, including the objectives, target audience, execution, budget and timeline.
Explain how the campaign aligns with the broader institutional goals and priorities of your organization.
Strategic Planning (200 words)
Provide details on the strategic planning process, including how data and research informed decisions.
Explain the rationale behind the campaign’s approach and how it aimed to achieve measurable results.
Implementation, Innovation and Design (200 words)
Outline the methods and mediums of launching the initiative into the marketplace. What mediums, region and timing were included.
Highlight the unique, creative approaches used in the campaign design, messaging, and channels.
Emphasize any innovative tactics, tools, or platforms utilized in the campaign.
Inclusivity, Equity, and Accessibility (200 words)
Describe how the campaign incorporated principles of inclusivity, equity, and accessibility.
Provide specific examples of how diverse populations were targeted and included.
Measurable Outcomes (200 words)
Present the measurable results achieved by the campaign, such as increased enrolment, visibility, or engagement.
Provide data or metrics to support your claims (e.g., percentage increase in leads, social media engagement statistics, etc.).
Impact and Sustainability (100 words)
Discuss the overall impact of the campaign on your institution and the continuing education landscape.
Mention if the campaign is sustainable and/or scalable for future initiatives.
Adjudication Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5 or 1 to 3 based on the following criteria, with a maximum possible score of 26 points.
| Criteria | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Planning | Shows clear, coherent strategy that aligns with institutional and / or program goals and priorities | 1 to 5 |
| Innovation and Creativity | Demonstrates novel, creative approaches in design, messaging, or medium. | 1 to 5 |
| Inclusivity and Equity | Incorporates values of inclusivity, equity, and accessibility, and reaches diverse populations. | 1 to 5 |
| Measurable Outcomes | Provides clear, quantifiable results (e.g., increased enrolment, engagement, visibility). | 1 to 5 |
| Impact on Continuing Education | Campaign’s contribution to promoting continuing education and the institution’s reputation. | 1 to 3 |
| Sustainability and Scalability | Demonstrates potential for sustainability or scalability of the campaign’s success. | 1 to 3 |
Submission limits
Institutional members may submit up to two (2) applications to the marketing excellence awards. Affiliate members may submit one (1) application to the marketing excellence awards.
General application guidelines
By following these expectations, applicants will ensure their entries meet the required criteria and are evaluated fairly and thoroughly.
- Format: All entries must be made through the designated online form.
- Word Count: Ensure you adhere to the word limits for each section of the proposal.
- Supporting Materials: Applicants are encouraged to submit supporting documentation (e.g., screenshots, marketing collateral, student feedback, program syllabi, etc.) where relevant and within submission guidelines Kindly limit your submission to one document or link.
- Review Process: All entries will undergo a double-blind review by the Excellence Awards Committee to ensure impartiality.
- Deadlines: For 2025 only, the deadling to submit is March 10. Late entries will not be considered.
Tips for a successful entry
Understand the Criteria: Carefully read the award criteria and guidelines to ensure your submission aligns with what the judges are looking for.
Start Early: Begin preparing your submission well in advance to avoid last-minute rushes and ensure a polished entry.
Tell a Compelling Story: Frame your submission as a narrative that highlights the challenges you faced, the innovative solutions you implemented, and the impact of your work.
Provide Evidence: Support your claims with concrete evidence such as data, testimonials, case studies, and other relevant materials.
Be Clear and Concise: Stick to the word limit and ensure your entry is clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make your key points easy to understand.
Proofread: Carefully proofread your entry to eliminate any errors. Consider having someone else review it to catch mistakes you might have missed.
Highlight Unique Aspects: Emphasize what makes your work unique and why it deserves recognition. Focus on the innovative and impactful aspects of your project.
Follow the Format: Adhere to the required format and structure for the entry. This shows attention to detail and respect for the process.
Get Feedback: Before submitting, get feedback from colleagues or mentors. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your entry.
Stay Authentic: Be honest and authentic in your submission. Judges appreciate genuine entries that reflect true achievements and efforts.
Good luck with your entry! If you need more specific advice or help with your submission, feel free to ask.
Top five reasons to enter
- Recognition and Prestige: Gain national recognition for your outstanding work in continuing education, enhancing your institution’s reputation and showcasing your achievements to peers and stakeholders
- Professional Development: Winning or even being nominated for an award can significantly boost your professional profile, adding a prestigious accolade to your CV and demonstrating your commitment to excellence,.
- Increased Visibility: Highlight your programs and initiatives, increasing awareness and visibility within the continuing education community and beyond. This can attract more students, partners, and funding opportunities.
- Networking Opportunities: Engage with other leaders and innovators in the field of continuing education. The awards process and related events provide valuable opportunities to connect, share ideas, and collaborate.
- Motivation and Morale: Celebrate the hard work and dedication of your team. Recognition through awards can boost morale, foster a sense of pride, and motivate your team to continue striving for excellence.
Our award winners
We are very proud to share the winners of our annual Excellence Awards competition. In addition, a great big thank you to all of our members who enter the awards competition each year.
Gold Excellence Award Recipients
| Year | Category | Institution | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Program | WatSPEED, University of Waterloo | Leading Change in a Digital World: WatSPEED’s Digital Transformation Professional Education Program |
| 2025 | Marketing | The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, Toronto Metropolitan University | Where Careers Move Forward: When Storytelling Meets Strategy in Adult Education Marketing |
Silver Excellence Award Recipients
| Year | Category | Institution | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Program | The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, Toronto Metropolitan University | Full Stack Developer Program (Guyana Project) |
| 2025 | Marketing | WatSPEED, University of Waterloo | From Insights to Impact: How Data-Driven Marketing Transformed WatSPEED’s Career Accelerator Programs |
Bronze Excellence Award Recipients
| Year | Category | Institution | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Program | Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Saskatchewan | Online Master of Public Administration |
| 2025 | Marketing | Continuing Education, McMaster University | edXpress: Reimagining Lifelong Learning with Innovation and Inclusion |
Honourable Mentions
| Year | Category | Institution | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Program | Department of Sociology, University of Saskatchewan | Animal Awareness for the Substance Use Workforce |
| 2025 | Marketing | Professional and Continuing Studies, Brock University | Picture Yourself Here – ESL Program Video |
| 2025 | Marketing | Centre for Continuing Education, University of Regina | U of R Centre for Continuing Education Website Redesign and Refresh Project |