National Recognition – Deadline June 28, 2024

DIVISION 1 – National Epsilon Sigma Phi Awards

National Recognition Awards are those with a State Level recipient who is forwarded on to the Region Level for judging. Applicants must apply online.  Each National Recognition with a state level recipient must be submitted using the ESP National Website. The deadline for these awards is June 28, 2024. Please note: You should receive a confirmation email from Cheryl Poppell by the close of the next business day after your application is received. If you do not receive a confirmation email within this time frame, please Cheryl immediately to ensure your application is received.

To apply for National recognition:

  1. Visit the National Recognition website. You will need to log into the member portal to view awards.
  2. The awards are listed and links provided with complete description.
  3. Click on the award name for a description of the award and a link to the online application.
  4. Complete the application and submit on-line. Please be sure to use the correct email (cashburn@uga.edu) for Cheryl Poppell, ESP Awards Chair, so she receives a copy.
  5. Print a copy for your files.

Applications must be submitted online following the instructions listed above for applying for National Recognition

National Award Descriptions

  • VISIONARY LEADERSHIP RECOGNITION – For a person whose visionary leadership enabled Extension to anticipate new opportunity and developed support to implement program and organizational changes necessary to achieve success Approval of this award will be rare.
  • STATE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE RECOGNITION – Designed to pay the highest tribute to an experienced Extension professional that has consistently exhibited continuing leadership and excellence in Extension program planning, delivery, and/or administration over a career of 20 or more years.
  • MID-CAREER SERVICE RECOGNITION – For a 10-20 year professional who has displayed continuing leadership and excellence in program planning, delivery, and evaluation, or in administration.
  • EARLY CAREER SERVICE RECOGNITION – To recognize the achievements of rising young professionals (5-10 years experience) who have shown noteworthy enthusiasm, performance, and accomplishments in program design and delivery.
  • DISTINGUISHED TEAM RECOGNITION – Recognizes outstanding efforts on the part of a team of Extension Staff in responding to and incorporating into a specific educational program one or more of the National Initiatives identified by the Cooperative Extension System. At least one half of team members must be ESP members. Self nominations are welcome. (One award per state.)
  • 25-YEAR TENURE RECOGNITION – Recognition for 31 years of professional Extension service. Must be “pure” Extension Service not including credit given for military or other employment. Self nominations are welcome. Must be current ESP member. Send dates of your Extension employment to state awards chair to receive this award.
  • RETIREE SERVICE RECOGNITION – This recognition is for continuing contributions and outstanding service to Extension. Must be a life member of ESP. (One award per state.)
  • MERITORIOUS SUPPORT SERVICE RECOGNITION – Designed to recognize an employee in a support role for significant contributions over time to Extension effectiveness. All co-workers in classified positions such as secretaries, program assistants, etc. are eligible. Applicants should apply for the State level Excellence in Support Service Award.
  • FRIEND OF EXTENSION RECOGNITION – Presented to a lay (non-Extension) person for outstanding support and personal involvement in Extension efforts.
  • ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP RECOGNITION – Recipients must have shown noteworthy administrative performance during 10+ years of county, regional, state, program department or national level leadership.
  • DIVERSITY/MULTICULTURAL RECOGNITION (One team award and one individual award) – May be presented to one team and one individual whose innovative programming reinforces the organization’s commitment to reaching diverse audiences. The team must include at least 50% ESP members. The program must have been implemented in the last three years.
  • DISTINGUISHED INTERNATIONAL SERVICE RECOGNITION – Recipients must have made significant contributions to international programs.
  • CONTINUED EXCELLENCE RECOGNITION – Recognizes an experienced Extension professional with 20+ years who has exhibited continued leadership, initiative and excellence in the Extension program or administration, on a chapter/regional/national level. Members are eligible for nomination five years after receiving the chapter DSA Recognition.

Member Scholarships – (Deadlines Vary)

  • (National) Richard R. Angus Professional Development Scholarship – $500 scholarship to encourage, stimulate and support professional development through participation in courses, seminars or workshops. Must be current, dues paid ESP member.
  • (National) Administrative Leadership Award – $500 scholarship for unit administrator who is a current ESP member to attend the national ESP conference. Must be a first timer.
  • (National) Life/Retiree Member Registration Defrayment – ESP Life and Retiree members attending the National ESP Conference are eligible for a reduced registration fee. Number and value of reduction will vary yearly.
  • (State) ESP Professional Improvement Fellowships (2) and Tal Duvall Fellowship (1) A total of three $500 fellowships may be awarded to support academic or other professional improvement activities – any program area. Applicants will submit an application after nomination.

Each National Recognition with a state level recipient must be applied for using the ESP National Website. The deadline for these awards is June 28, 2024.