George A. Coleman Excellence in Equity Award
2026 Call for Nominations
SERC created this award to honor and highlight extraordinary acts of commitment and courage to ensure all Connecticut students, especially students of color and culturally and linguistically diverse students, are valued and respected in their school experience.
SERC is seeking nominations of individuals, organizations, schools or districts for the 2026 George A. Coleman Excellence in Equity Award.
Criteria (Nominations of students are encouraged)
Award recipients will be selected based on their steadfast and unwavering action in:
- Advocating for children and families of color;
- Galvanizing individuals and coalitions toward equitable action;
- Taking risks in conversation and action regarding issues of equity for racially, linguistically and culturally diverse groups;
- Engaging the diverse needs of members of an education community and reconciling them toward a shared vision; and
- Furthering the exchange of information that affects thinking and effects conviction on matters of equity.
Nominators and awardees will be notified no later than Tuesday, March 10, 2026 via email and invited to attend a recognition award celebration held on the evening of Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Nomination Information
A complete nomination package should include the following: a nomination entry form, a letter of nomination (one (1) page limit), biography of Nominee (one (1) page limit), two letters of support (one (1) page limit each).
Instructions for Submissions
Nominations Due: Friday, February 27, 2026
📥 Download Nomination FormComplete nomination package required
Please submit your completed nomination packages to SERC by Friday, February 27, 2026 to:
Heather Dawes, Project SpecialistSERC
175 Union Street
Waterbury, CT 06706
or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Questions? Email or call Heather Dawes at SERC, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (860) 632-1485, ext.263
About George A. Coleman
George A. Coleman has infused his values of equity and opportunity within all of his roles in Connecticut education. As an administrator at the CT State Department of Education (CSDE), including two appointments as Acting Commissioner, Mr. Coleman continuously advanced the truth that all children can learn. He has refused to accept educational disparities and has made the most of his positions to advocate for the highest opportunities for all students. Mr. Coleman has also been a critical partner with SERC in advancing an educational system that confronts the impact of racism among children of color and their families.
