National Schools of Character Awards Program
Beginning in 2011, the goal of the National Schools of Character (NSOC) awards program is to recognize ALL schools and districts that demonstrate an exemplary level of implementation of Character Education Partnership’s Eleven Principles of Effective Character Education.

National Schools of Character Expectations
NSOC winners serve as models and ambassadors of effective character education. They hold staff development trainings at their sites and are available for consultation and mentoring. CEP honors the National Winners for their exemplary work at its annual National Forum on Character Education. They share their successful strategies with other educators at the Forum and at their home sites. The National Schools of Character receive a small grant to help with outreach. The winners become members of a communication network where they share best practices.

From Competition to Meeting a Standard
The move to bestow NSOC recognition on all schools and districts that reach a standard of excellence is the result of a year-long study by State Schools of Character coordinators, CEP consultants, Blue Ribbon Panel members, and CEP Board members. Because of the recommendations of these experts, applicants will no longer be in competition with other schools or districts but will be recognized for meeting a high standard. Applicants that do not receive the NSOC award will receive feedback to help them develop an action plan for attaining the award in the future.

An Achievable Path to Excellence
The purpose of the NSOC awards program is to inspire all schools and districts to pursue a path to excellence in character education. Achieving NSOC status is an achievable goal for all schools and districts. The NSOC designation is renewable after five years. Therefore, CEP encourages former winners to apply again if they received the award in 2006 or earlier.

Reasons for Applying
Schools and districts should apply for a National Schools of Character award when they feel they have achieved a standard of excellence and are ready to be a leader among their peers. As NSOC winners spread across the nation, they will help others see effective character education as a pathway to school transformation.

Process for Applying
The 2011 Application Guidelines for the NSOC/SSOC awards program are available. The application deadline for the 2011 awards is December 1, 2010.

State Schools of Character Awards
State sponsors from 30 states give State Schools of Character (SSOC) awards as a prerequisite to national-level recognition. State winners receive these awards at a state celebration in their honor. Beginning in 2010, SSOC awards will be renewable after three years to schools and districts that have not yet achieved NSOC status. State sponsors are available to offer technical assistance and/or guide the applicant to helpful resources. The application process is a valuable means of receiving professional feedback and guidance on developing a successful improvement plan.