The National Awards Program is the pinnacle of each chapter’s yearly achievements, offering a platform to compete with other chapters nationwide.
About the National Awards Program
This program provides outstanding opportunities for chapters and individual members to refine their skills in a highly realistic and competitive environment. Participants submit written reports, deliver verbal presentations, and engage in group panel interviews, all while building practical business skills. They gain recognition for chapter and individual accomplishments across various categories, including Top Professional Development, Top Recruitment Campaign, Top Management Team, Top Program Manager, Most Improved Chapter, and Top Social Media Campaign, among others. All chapters in good standing are eligible and encouraged to compete in multiple categories.
Important Links:
Call For Entries 2026
Your Complete Guide to Awards Information.
Chapter Fact Sheet
This document is part of the written entry for the Awards Program. It is not specifically factored into the score, but will be used to provide greater context to the judges to assist them in their evaluation.
Submit your Intent to Compete!
A required step to reserve your chapter's spot in the competitions
Our Goal
Recognize Outstanding Chapter & Individual Performance Annually
Foster opportunity for real-life business practices
Develop the Professional and Leadership Skills of our members
Questions & General Info
When does this competition take place?
During the PSE National Convention each spring
Deadlines
Friday, January 16, 2026: Intent to Compete Deadline
Friday, February 6, 2026: Written Entries Deadline
Tuesday, February 24, 2026: National Awards Finalists Announced
How do I sign up to compete?
Chapter must submit an “Intent to Compete” on or before the deadline. The intent to compete is you confirming what categories your chapter intends to compete in at the National Convention. All students who present or participate on-site must be registered attendees for the PSE National Convention.
What are the prerequisites for this competition?
- Must be a PSE Chapter in good standing (Review Good Standing Requirements found in the Chapter Operations Guide).
- Submission of Intent to Compete and written entries on or before the published deadline.
- Some award categories (not all) require a minimum “points” standing as part of the Chapter Operations Guide submissions throughout the year.
- Finalists will be announced 4 weeks prior to the convention.
On-Site
Finalists will be scheduled for an on-site presentation and interview during the PSE National Convention. Winners will be announced and trophies will be presented during the awards ceremony at the convention.
Recognition and Prizes
National Awards Program winners receive various forms of recognition (trophies/plaques, certificates, and prize money). Awards are presented during the annual National Convention at a banquet and ceremony on the final night.
Disbursement of Prize Money
Winners must complete a Funds Distribution Form to confirm their mailing address within 30 days following the close of the PSE National Convention. The funds will then be disbursed directly to the winning chapter or individual via check. Late submissions may result in delayed payments. Failure to submit the completed Funds Distribution Form prior to June 30th of the convention year will result in a forfeiture of all prize winnings.
2026 NATIONAL AWARDS COMPETITION ENTRIES
Important Links:
The Lewis F. Gordon Top Gold Chapter Award recognizes the PSE chapter that excels in all areas of chapter operations including programming, membership development, recruitment, and chapter operations, while attaining the Gold level of the Chapter Operations Guide.
The William H. Harris Top Silver Chapter Award recognizes the PSE chapter that excels in all areas of chapter operations including programming, membership development, recruitment, and chapter operations, while attaining the Silver level of the Chapter Operations Guide.
The Lloyd L. Antle Top Amethyst Chapter recognizes the PSE chapter that excels in all areas of chapter operations including programming, membership development, recruitment, and chapter operations, while attaining the Amethyst level of the Chapter Operations Guide.
The Marvin D. Loos Top New Chapter Award recognizes the outstanding development of a chapter in the areas of chapter operations, programming, recruitment, and communication during its charter or first full COG year.
The Most Improved Chapter award recognizes outstanding growth and improvement in chapter operations, including programming, recruitment, communication, professionalism, and the identification and usage of chapter resources.
The Top Management Team Award recognizes the chapter whose officer team has excelled in process and performance management while handling significant daily tasks, overcoming obstacles, and maintaining chapter motivation.
The Top Marketing/Sales Project (Profit) Award is presented to the chapter that most successfully created and implemented a promotional or sales project for profit in a structured and analytical manner through effective planning, marketing research, performance, and evaluation.
The Top Marketing/Sales Project (Not For Profit) Award is presented to the chapter that most successfully implemented a promotional or sales project in a structured and analytical manner without the intent or option of generating profit. This award recognizes success in project work done primarily with the goal of member skill development.
The Top Professional Development Program Award is given to the chapter who has most clearly, accurately, and effectively planned and executed a variety of professional programming that provides their chapter members an experience that connects them to the professional world. Professional development activities include: guest speakers, workshops or seminars focusing on business, networking events, professional competitions, alumni events, award banquets, chapter retreats, company tours, etc.
The Top Chapter Recruitment Program Award is given to the chapter who most successfully develops, executes, and demonstrates its recruitment plan throughout the previous year.
The Top New Member Development Process Award is given to the chapter who has most effectively and wholesomely developed potential new members to be upstanding, lifelong members of PSE.
The Top Social Media Strategy Award is presented to the chapter that most successfully develops and executes a social media campaign to promote the chapter and its events throughout the year.
The Whan Challenger Award is presented to the collegiate member who has best demonstrated the ability to provide leadership to fellow students by serving as a role model. This person upholds all the principles of PSE in her/her interaction with their chapter, other chapters, and in pursuit of academic goals. He/She exhibits outstanding qualities in leadership, motivation, guidance, initiative, and humility.
The Top PSE Salesperson Award is presented to the collegiate member who has best demonstrated their commitment to the sales profession by developing their sales skills and abilities, participating in sales projects, providing sales leadership and development to fellow students, and selling the value of PSE on campus and in the business community. This person upholds all the principles of PSE, maintains a high standard of ethics and professionalism, and is truly the best example of someone using sales skills to better themselves, their chapter/fellow members, and the community.
The Top Project Management Award is presented to (a) collegian(s) who has managed a significant project successfully during the past year. The winner represents excellence in the area of managing a chapter project and by employing best practices in project management.
The Top Faculty Advisor Award recognizes the faculty advisor to a PSE chapter who has effectively guided his/her chapter to a successful year by offering advice, reviewing projects, and supporting the chapter in its endeavors.
The Top Alumni Advisor Award recognizes the alumni advisor to a PSE chapter who has effectively guided his/her chapter to a successful year by offering advice, reviewing projects, supporting the chapter in its endeavors, and effectively involved surrounding alumni in chapter operations and activities.
Alumni Engagement
The Alumni Engagement category will recognize those who have fostered exceptional relationships with their alumni as demonstrated through their continued involvement with PSE post-graduation.
Innovation
The Innovation category recognizes those who have improved their chapters through new ideas or by introducing new methods for development, chapter programming, or management.
Inspiration
The Inspiration category will recognize those whose efforts and character have energized his or her chapter to reach new levels of performance.
Community Impact
The Community Impact category will recognize those who have made a significant impact on their campus or in their community through their work in Pi Sigma Epsilon.