The RP Group Rising Star Award is presented to an individual who has shown promise and potential impact in the institutional research, planning, and effectiveness (IRPE) field within their first 10 years in the career.
Anyone may nominate themselves or another person who meets the criteria outlined below. Nominations will be accepted throughout the year. Those received by 11:59 pm PST on Monday, January 12, 2026, will be considered for the 2026 awards to be presented at the RP Conference in April 2026.
To be considered for the Rising Star Award, nominees must meet the following criteria:
Currently employed at a college or district in the California Community Colleges system
Has been an IRPE professional for fewer than 10 years
Has exhibited leadership qualities, even at an early stage in their career
Has made recognized local, regional, or statewide contributions to IRPE leadership, equity, research, planning, policy, or institutional effectiveness
Demonstrated an interest in learning and embracing new research and planning practices
To nominate yourself or another individual for a Rising Star Award, please enter the nominee’s information in the Rising Star Award Nomination Form.
Nominations will require the following information:
Nominee's name
Nominee's current or most recent college or organization
Nominee's current or most recent job title
Nominee's current email address
A curriculum vitae (CV) or a list of positions and organizations served
A 500-word description of how the nominee meets the criteria and why they should be considered
The RP Group's Board Development Committee oversees the process for this award. The committee reviews the nominations at its January meeting to determine the final list of recommended nominees, which the committee chair will present to the full Board for approval at the February Board meeting.
Please note: every award category may not be recognized annually and will be determined by the review committee based on nominations received. We hope that by providing the opportunity for a variety of contributions to be recognized, we will maximize the chances of individuals earning awards.
All award winners will be:
Posted on The RP Group’s website;
Celebrated in our RP Group communications and in a nationwide press release; and
Recognized publicly during the awards ceremony at the RP Conference in April.
Please email info@rpgroup.org.