The Outstanding Paper in Educational Studies Award

The Outstanding Paper in Education Studies Award recognizes excellence in a course paper or original education research by a declared EPS Certificate or Education Studies Major; research can include an individual undergraduate research project or a substantial contribution to research on a faculty member’s research project.

Applicants Materials

  • One-page cover letter describing the reasons for writing this paper and its contributions to specific conversations.
  • An abstract of the paper considered for this award (250 maximum word count). Please be aware that the first round of revisions will be based on your abstract.
  • A digital copy of the paper is considered for this award (2,500 maximum word count). An unofficial transcript.

Criteria

  • You must be a declared EPS Certificate or Education Studies major.
  • You may self-nominate or be nominated by a faculty member in the School of Education.
  • You may only apply to one award.
  • You may only receive each award once.
  • Awards come with a certificate and a $1000 monetary award.

Application Timeline
December 1, 2025 to January 20, 2026

Expectations
Winners will answer the question, " What do you plan to do with this award? " and will be featured in our newsletter and on our website.

Award
Varies
Organizations
School of Education
Deadline
01/20/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. (ESOP) What year are you in school?
  2. (ESOP) Cover Letter: Please upload a one-page cover letter describing the reasons for writing this paper and its contributions to specific conversations.
    A cover letter introduces you and your submission to the review committee. Include the name of the award for which you are applying and why you are a strong candidate for this specific award. Here you want to show reviewers that your submission aligns with the award criteria. The cover letter can be brief. It should be no more than one single-spaced page.
  3. (ESOP) Please upload an abstract of the paper considered for this award (250 maximum word count). Please be aware that the first round of revisions will be based on your abstract.
  4. (ESOP) Please upload the paper you wish to be considered for this award (2,500 maximum word count).
  5. (ESOP) Please upload an unofficial transcript. If you do not know how to do this, you can find information here: https://registrar.wisc.edu/unofficialtranscript/