[National Council of Teachers of English](https://ncte.org)

August 31, 2026

No monetary award; recipients receive national recognition, a certificate, and publicity at the CCCC Annual Convention and in NCTE/CCCC media.

Honors writing programs demonstrating sustained excellence, innovation, and best practices across diverse educational contexts.

--- ## Description The CCCC Writing Program of Excellence Award, established in 2004, recognizes outstanding writing programs that demonstrate ongoing improvement and clearly document their excellence. The award is open to a wide range of writing programs, including first-year, developmental, ESL, WAC/WID, and specialized writing initiatives. Honored programs are distinguished by their imaginative approaches to meeting the needs of students and faculty, exemplary professional development for all faculty ranks, respectful treatment of contingent faculty, use of current best practices, effective assessment and placement procedures, appropriate class sizes, and commitment to diversity. Winners receive recognition in the _CCC_ journal, on the CCCC website, and at the CCCC Annual Convention. --- ## Due Dates - August 31, 2026: Full application submission deadline (applications must reach cccc@ncte.org by/on this date) --- ## Funding Amount - There is no direct monetary award. - Recipients receive national recognition, a certificate presented at the CCCC Annual Convention, and publicity in NCTE/CCCC channels and press releases. --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants include a wide variety of writing programs, such as: - First-year writing programs or coherent configurations of first-year courses - Basic or developmental writing programs - ESL writing programs - Writing instruction within intensive-English programs (integrated or standalone) - Vertical sequences (concentrations, certificates, minors, majors) - WAC (Writing Across the Curriculum) or WID (Writing in the Disciplines) programs - Writing programs within writing centers - Writing programs designed for special groups Programs must demonstrate: - Imaginative responses to the needs of students, instructors, and institutions - Ongoing professional development for all faculty (including contingent/adjunct faculty) - Respectful and professional treatment of contingent faculty - Use of current best practices in writing pedagogy - Academic credentials in writing for program administrators - Ongoing assessment and effective placement procedures - Appropriate class sizes - Commitment to diversity and/or serving diverse communities Additional documentation may include evidence of research contributions, coherence in disciplinary expectations, distinctive program features, integration of theory and practice, strong learning outcomes, community service, and campus alliances. --- ## Application Process 1. **Nomination/Intent to Apply**: Anyone (inside or outside the program) may submit a short nominating email to [cccc@ncte.org](mailto:cccc@ncte.org), including the institution nominated and contact information for the application contact. While not required, this step connects applicants with a CCCC staff member who can provide guidance. 2. **Full Application**: Submit all application materials (including supplemental items) by email to [cccc@ncte.org](mailto:cccc@ncte.org) by August 31, 2026. The full application must not exceed 30 pages (including all attachments and appendices) and should include: - Introductory piece with contact info, criteria addressed, list of materials, and a one-page abstract - Program demographics (size, section sizes, faculty composition) - Description of pedagogical principles and program history - Sample syllabi and course learning goals - Description of in-house professional development - Context within the department/institution - Links or media documenting program activities - Evidence of success, innovation, and effective operation Winners are announced in _CCC_, on the CCCC website, and recognized at the CCCC Annual Convention. --- ## Additional Information - The award does not provide direct funding but offers significant professional recognition and visibility. - Up to 20 programs may be recognized each year. - Application packets must be complete and adhere to the 30-page limit. --- ## External Links - [Award Program Page (CCCC/NCTE)](https://cccc.ncte.org/cccc/awards/writingprogramcert) - [CCCC Grants & Awards Overview](https://cccc.ncte.org/cccc/awards/) - [National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Homepage](https://ncte.org) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Website | |------------------------|------------------------------|---------------|----------------------------------------------| | CCCC Liaison | cccc@ncte.org | 217-328-3870 | [CCCC Writing Program of Excellence Award](https://cccc.ncte.org/cccc/awards/writingprogramcert) | | NCTE (General) | [Contact Form](https://ncte.org/contact-us/) | 877-369-6283 | [NCTE Homepage](https://ncte.org) |

CCCC Writing Program of Excellence Award

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