academic awards

Join us in celebrating the exceptional achievements of graduating students in early childhood education and care. Together, let’s honour their dedication, scholarly accomplishments, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of young children and their communities

Recognising academic merit

Our Academic Awards highlight the dedication, commitment, and scholarly achievements of graduating students who have excelled in their studies and shown a deep understanding of the principles and practices of early childhood education.

Partnerships with universities

We are privileged to collaborate with esteemed universities to present this prestigious award. Each university partner carefully selects graduates who have demonstrated exemplary academic performance, innovative thinking, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of young children and their families.

Identifying future leaders

Our awards serve as a beacon, identifying and nurturing future leaders in the dynamic field of early childhood education.

Acknowledging academic excellence and leadership potential

At AGECS we believe in celebrating not only academic excellence but also the qualities that define future leaders in early childhood education. Our Academic Awards highlight the dedication, commitment, and scholarly achievements of graduating students who exhibit exemplary academic performance and practical placement, and a strong passion for making a positive impact in the field. 

Nomination Process

Nominations for our Academic Awards are made by participating universities, who carefully select candidates based on academic merit, leadership potential, and institution specific eligibility criteria. Graduating students interested in being considered for nomination should consult with their university’s academic advisors or department heads for more information on the nomination process and deadlines.

Pictured: Professor Bridie Raban (AGECS Council member) and Professor Marilyn Fleer stand with Monash University 2023 Academic Award winners Verena Lan, Janelle Kennedy and Jacinta Drew.

Pictured: Council Member Bridie Raban with University of Melbourne’s academic award winner Wenxin Yang in 2023.

Pictured: AGECS Vice President Melissa Adam with Deakin University 2024 Academic Award winner Kylie Mustard. 

Pictured: AGECS Vice President Melissa Adam with Deakin University 2024 Academic Award winner Meredith Dobson. 

Pictured: AGECS Vice President Melissa Adam with University of Melbourne 2024 academic award recipients Consuela van der Velden and Sarah Thwaites. 

The Academic Awards program is possible thanks to the responsive partnerships with the following institutions: