Call for Applicants: Education Data Champions of the Year

The Data Quality Campaign Seeks Policymakers, Advocacy Organizations, State Leaders, and School Districts Using Data to Change Lives For Students

Washington, D.C. — Applications for the Data Quality Campaign’s (DQC) 2015 Data Flashlight Awards are now open. DQC is seeking candidates who have demonstrated a focus on using education data at all levels to support families and educators in their efforts to improve student achievement.

“We look forward to recognizing the work of great leaders from around our nation. They understand why education data matter, and their success demonstrates how critical leadership is in the effort to effectively use data to answer critical policy questions, empower others, inform continuous improvement, and ultimately, increase student achievement.” said Aimee Rogstad Guidera, President and CEO of the Data Quality Campaign. The award categories are:

  • The District Data Use Award recognizes places that are using data to answer questions, empower educators, and transparently communicate with parents and the public.
  • The Advocacy Organization Award recognizes outstanding work by a national or state-based nonprofit organization in promoting effective data use in education by engaging with stakeholders and building a broad base of support for data initiatives, programs, and policies.
  • The State Data Leader Award recognizes a state data leader for the creation or stewardship of a state data system that serves districts with tailored information that allows educators, families, and communities to make informed decisions and take smart actions appropriate to their roles.
  • The State Policymaker Award recognizes a strong vision on the part of a state policymaker, such as a governor or state legislator, in promoting a culture of data use within education through the implementation of a policy or program, engagement with stakeholders, and securing external support.

 Submissions will be accepted through March 6, 2015. The winners will be announced this fall.”

The Data Quality Campaign (DQC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, national advocacy organization committed to realizing an education system in which all stakeholders—from parents to policymakers—are empowered with high quality data from early childhood, K–12, postsecondary, and workforce systems. To achieve this vision, DQC supports state policymakers and other key leaders to promote effective data use to ensure students graduate from high school prepared for success in college and the workplace.  For more information, visit www.dataqualitycampaign.org.

Featured

  • College of the Desert Hits Construction Milestone on New Campus

    College of the Desert recently announced that the construction of its new Palm Springs Campus in Palm Springs, Calif., recently reached a major construction milestone, according to a news release. The college is partnering with general contractor C.W. Driver Companies, which recently “topped out” the facility by placing the final beam in its structure.

  • Spaces4Learning Trends & Predictions for Educational Facilities in 2026: Part I

    We asked, you answered, and the results are in! Last year, we put out a call for submissions to collect our readership’s opinion on trends and predictions for K–12 and higher education facilities in 2026.

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • Girl Sitting at Library Desk, Using Laptop

    How Campus Design Shapes the Finals Week Experience

    Academic performance is not just about preparation. It is closely tied to how students manage stress, maintain their energy, and shift between work and recovery modes. Much of that is influenced, directly or indirectly, by design.