Great educators don’t just teach. They inspire confidence, spark curiosity and often go far beyond their job descriptions to support students, families and entire school communities. This year, OnPoint Community Credit Union is once again inviting parents, students and community members to help shine a light on those educators and schools that are making an extraordinary impact.
In 2026, the OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education will award $193,000 to outstanding educators and schools across Oregon and Southwest Washington. Now in its 17th year, the program recognizes the people and projects that help students thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.
Nominations are open now through April 7, 2026, for two award categories: Educator of the Year and Community Builder.
Educator of the Year Awards
Each year, the Educator of the Year award celebrates educators who go above and beyond for their students and communities. In 2026, four educators will be selected, one in each of the following categories:
- Grades K–5
- Grades 6–8
- Grades 9–12
- Gold Star, recognizing a pre-kindergarten teacher, school counselor, substitute teacher, librarian, or school administrator
Each Educator of the Year winner will have their mortgage or rent paid for one full year and will also receive a $2,500 donation to their school for classroom resources and supplies.
In addition, four runners-up, one from each category, will receive a $5,000 cash award and a $1,500 donation to their school.
“OnPoint was founded by teachers more than 90 years ago, and we honor our roots by celebrating educators in our community who inspire future generations,” said Rob Stuart, president and chief executive officer of OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Every day, educators help students build confidence, curiosity and opportunity. We invite the community to once again help us recognize these educators by nominating them for the OnPoint Prize.”
Past winners have been honored for launching tutoring programs, creating innovative approaches to student engagement and building programs that strengthen school culture and belonging. Anyone can nominate an educator by visiting www.onpointcu.com/onpoint-prize/educator-of-the-year/.
Educator of the Year nominees must be full-time or job-share educators serving grades Pre-K–12 in an accredited public, private, or charter school within OnPoint’s service area.
Community Builder Awards
The OnPoint Prize also recognizes schools through its Community Builder awards, which support innovative projects that enrich school communities.
In 2026:
- Four schools will receive $2,000 for a special project of their choice
- One additional school, selected by community vote, will receive $5,000
Projects are evaluated based on creativity, community impact, inclusivity and feasibility. Applications must be submitted by a school staff member, faculty member or parent group with approval from the school administrator. School projects can be nominated at www.onpointcu.com/onpoint-prize/community-builder/.
The nomination period closes at 11:59 p.m. PST on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Educator of the Year finalists and Community Builder winners will be announced on May 6.
For full details, eligibility requirements, and contest rules, visit www.onpointprize.com.
