• Spark Awards

  • Spark Awards Graphic

  • Nominations for the Spark 2025 Awards are now closed and winners have been announced. Learn more about this year's winners and explore upcoming Spark events. 

    As part of our annual Spark spring celebration, the university launched the Spark Awards to honor New School students, alumni, faculty, and staff who embody our bold spirit and commitment to one another. The awards spotlight achievements and recognize the passion, innovation, and actions that make our community unique. They honor those who generate fresh ideas, fuel creativity, and transcend boundaries to drive positive change on campus and beyond.

    Guidelines

    The Spark Award nominations are open to all current community members—including students, faculty, staff, and our alumni community. A diverse committee of faculty, staff, students, and alumni will review nominations and select the final eight award recipients.

    Eligibility
    Nominees must be current students, faculty, staff or alumni of The New School. Both individuals and collaborative groups are eligible for nomination. We encourage nominations that reflect our community's unique spark and The New School’s bold spirit.

    Criteria
    All nominations should meet at least one of the following criteria to be considered for selection:

    • Impact: The nominee’s work or creative pursuits ignite forward-thinking ideas and innovation that make a difference on campus, in NYC, or beyond.
    • Leadership: The nominee inspires and nurtures others through their vision and leadership.
    • Community: The nominee fosters community on campus through their work at any level, from their own circles to the university as a whole.
    • Collaboration: The nominee facilitates collaboration, employing an inclusive approach that builds creative connections.

    Recognition & Celebration

    Each of the eight award recipients will receive a $250 cash prize, will be highlighted in university communications, and will be celebrated at the university-wide Spark reception in April 2025.

    All nominees and New School community members are invited to attend the spring 2025 reception.

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