Tomorrow’s leaders are already making a difference today.
Colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics, and Indigenous Institutes of Education across Canada are filled with students who are strengthening their campuses, supporting their peers, and creating positive change in their communities.
The CICan Leadership Excellence Award for Students recognizes these emerging leaders and the institutions that help them thrive.
Nominate a student whose leadership, initiative, and commitment to community have made a lasting impact. Whether they are championing inclusion, leading campus initiatives, supporting their community, or inspiring others through service and advocacy, this award shines a national spotlight on the next generation of leaders.
Why nominate?
A nomination is more than an award submission. It is an opportunity to:
- Celebrate a student whose contributions deserve national recognition
- Showcase the impact of your institution and the learning environment you’ve created
- Share an inspiring success story with colleagues from across Canada’s college and institute sector
- Recognize the values of leadership, service, innovation, and community engagement that define your institution
- Help elevate the profile of student leadership within the post-secondary sector
Eligibility
Nominations are open for students currently enrolled at a CICan member institution. Nominees should demonstrate meaningful leadership, initiative, and impact on campus, in their community, or within the broader college and institute system.
Nominations should be submitted by the student’s institution and must include enough detail to show how the nominee’s contributions reflect the values of leadership, service, innovation, inclusion, and community engagement.
Key dates
- Nomination deadline: February 22, 2027
- Recipients notified: April 26, 2027
- Recipients honoured: 2027 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and on CICan’s Awards Hall of Fame
Note: CICan is accepting nominations this year only for the Leadership Excellence Award for Students. Nominations for all other award categories will open in Fall 2027, with recipients being recognized at the 2028 Connections Conference.
About the Awards of Excellence
CICan’s Awards of Excellence celebrate the people, programs, and initiatives helping shape stronger communities and a stronger Canada. Through these awards, we share the stories of leadership and innovation taking place in colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics, and Indigenous Institutes of Education from coast to coast to coast.
Become Inspired
Submit a Nomination
Help shine a spotlight on a student leader who is making a difference on campus, in their community, and beyond.