2025 NAWB AWARDS
Nominations are now open!

Presented annually at The Forum, NAWB awards recognize the most innovative and impactful work being done by workforce development boards and their partners. Each year, we honor efforts which provide models for our system: programs and partnerships which have transcended the expected and achieved the extraordinary for workers, businesses, and communities.

The NAWB awards are among our best opportunities to elevate exceptional approaches to workforce development, and nominations are an NAWB member benefit -- you must be a member to nominate, but not to win. We encourage you to submit those that exemplify excellence in your regions or networks for the following awards. Please note that nominations close on Monday, Feb. 3 at 1 1:59pm ET.

WIOA  TRAILBLAZER AWARD

The WIOA Trailblazer Award recognizes a workforce development board that has been a leader in implementing the system changes envisioned in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and expanding its ability to develop comprehensive workforce solutions for its community. WIOA provides the workforce system with the opportunity to make changes that will significantly improve its ability to meet the needs of residents and employers through partnerships with government agencies, business and industry, economic development, training and education, and community-based organizations

W.O. LAWTON BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AWARD

The W.O. Lawton Business Leadership Award honors businesses and business organizations that have made the commitment of time, money, and leadership to make their community’s workforce and economy more vibrant.

LAURIE MORAN PARTNERSHIP AWARD

The Laurie Moran Partnership Award is given jointly to a workforce development board and local or regional chamber of commerce that have formed a significant partnership to advance the workforce and economic development of their local region.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD - COMMUNITY COLLEGE EXCELLENCE IN PARTNERSHIP AWARD

The Workforce Development Board - Community College Excellence in Partnership Award   is given jointly to a workforce development board and community college that have formed a significant partnership to advance training opportunities for workers in their local region. 

THE WORKFORCE ADVOCACY AND POLICY AWARD 

The Workforce Advocacy and Policy Award recognizes an individual that has demonstrated outstanding advocacy efforts at a federal or state level by showcasing how workforce development initiatives better job seekers, employers, and economies.

THE CONGRESSIONAL WORKFORCE CHAMPION AWARD

The Congressional Workforce Champion Award recognizes a member of the U.S. Congress that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to advancing federal workforce development initiatives by empowering workforce development boards, job seekers, and employers. 

Questions? ContactZachary Wilkes.