Entries Now Open for New Product of the Year Award

Spaces4Learning has opened its 2020 New Product of the Year award program. Each year, the program recognizes new and emerging products and technologies for the outstanding contributions they make to K–12 and higher education.

The contest is open to all companies that put a new product (or new version of a product) on the market in the last year (between June 2019 and June 2020).

The early bird deadline for entries is June 5. The final deadline is July 10. Complte details and a registration form can be found at spaces4learning.com/npoy.

Awards will be granted in the following categories:

Building Envelope

  • Doors

  • Outdoor Signage

  • Roofing

  • Walls

  • Windows

Building Interiors

  • Carpet

  • Ceilings

  • Floorings

  • Wall Coverings

Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment

  • Auditorium/Performance Space Furniture & Equipment

  • Cafeteria/Dining Hall Furniture & Equipment

  • Classroom Furniture & Equipment

  • Commons/Lounge Furniture & Equipment

  • Indoor Signage

  • Library Furniture & Equipment

  • Mail Room Equipment

  • Partitions & Room Dividers

  • Science/Vocational Furniture & Equipment

  • Waste Receptacles

Maintenance

  • Cleaning Equipment & Supplies

  • Paints & Coatings

Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing

  • Building Controls

  • HVAC

  • Lighting

  • Plumbing

  • Surge Protection

Outdoor Environment

  • Outdoor Furniture

  • Recreation Systems

  • Signage

  • Vehicles

Restrooms/Locker Rooms

  • Dryers

  • Lockers

  • Locker Room Fixtures

  • Restroom Fixtures

Safety & Security

  • Access Control

  • Classroom Security Devices

  • Emergency Communication

  • Emergency Evacuation

  • Emergency Lighting

  • Fire & Life Safety

  • Locks & Door Hardware

  • Metal Detectors

  • Perimeter Control (Fencing, Bollards)

  • Traffic Control

Technology

  • A/V Equipment

  • Communication (Clocks, Bells, Intercoms)

  • Networking Equipment

  • Office Automation

  • Remote Learning

  • Software

Access the entry form and other details at spaces4learning.com/npoy.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • URI Cuts Underwater Ribbon on New Ocean Robotics Laboratory

    The University of Rhode Island recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Ocean Robotics Laboratory at its Narragansett Bay Campus, according to a news release. Two students used a remotely operated vehicle to cut an underwater ribbon in a 30-by-20-foot test tank.

  • Rowan University, HPE Partner on New Learning Initiative

    Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J., recently announced that it has expanded its partnership with enterprise technology provider HPE to improve research capabilities and hands-on learning opportunities, according to a news release.

  • 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.

  • Arizona District Breaks Ground on Community Training, Learning Center

    The Tolleson Union High School District (TUHSD) in Tolleson, Ariz., recently broke ground on a new Training & Learning Center (TLC) for both district professionals and the community at large, according to a news release. The 90,000-square-foot facility has an estimated completion date of spring 2027.