21st Century Leader Awards

The University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks nominations of undergraduate seniors from the Class of 2025 for the 21st Century Leader Award.  

This award recognizes the strong academic record and exemplary achievement of undergraduate students who further distinguished their intellectual accomplishments, and enhanced the reputation of the University by contributing to the campus community in one or more of the following ways:  

• Demonstrating strong leadership qualities, characterized by the ability to unite and inspire others toward positive action. 
• Expanding the intellectual climate of their academic area through noteworthy original research, design or creativity.  
• Markedly improving the quality of life for others through community service, either internal to the University or beyond the borders of our campus.
• Demonstrating a commitment to social justice and social progress by embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Advancing the teaching mission of the University as an exceptional undergraduate teaching assistant whose efforts continually motivate others to learn.
• Exemplifying perseverance and courage by overcoming extraordinary personal obstacles through resolve and a determination to excel.
• Participating in the demands of public presentations, either by exhibiting a truly inspiring caliber of artistic talent, through creation or performance, or by excelling in the competitive demands of athleticism.

Successful nominees will be characterized by their determination to fulfill their academic potential and achieve personal goals. They will be exemplars within the undergraduate community, having demonstrated intelligence, integrity, discipline, courage, compassion, and a sense of humor. They will be recognized for this high academic performance, and for the prestige and honor they bring to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, both as undergraduates and as alumni joining the larger community. Up to ten graduating seniors will be awarded the 21st Century Leader Award. 

The submission process changed for the 2024-25 academic year to increase efficiency in collecting, processing, and reviewing supporting documentation.  The application for the 21st Century Leader Award is a two-part process made up of the nomination and the supporting materials package.  

Submitting a Nomination 

UMass Amherst faculty, staff, and graduate students are encouraged to nominate outstanding members of the undergraduate Class of 2025 by completing and submitting the 21st Century Leader Award Nomination Form. The form requires nominators to log in through their UMass email account and upload a letter of support on behalf of the nominee.  

Nominations are due by the extended deadline of Monday, December 9, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.  

Submitting a Supporting Materials Package  

Upon receipt of a nomination, the Office of Community Relations and University Events will contact nominated students to request the remaining supporting materials.   

From the nominee a

• personal statement 
• resume or CV 
• signed conduct clearance form 

From their supporters

• a second required, on-campus letter of support* 
• up to three additional letters of support (these may be from the UMass community or from off campus such as internship hosts, off campus supervisors, community organizations, etc). 

* One letter of support must be from a member of the UMass Amherst faculty this can be either the nomination letter or the second required on-campus letter of support. If the nomination was submitted by a faculty member, then the second letter may come from a UMass Amherst graduate student or staff member.  

Students will receive a link to an upload-only One Drive folder where nominees and supporters can upload their materials.  The individual adding files to the folder will be asked to enter their first and last name. This should be the first and last name of the person completing the form. For example, a supporter should enter their name not the nominee's name. 

Supporting materials packages are due by 11:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. 

Selection Process Timeline 

• Nominations are due on Monday, December 6, 2024 by 11:59 p.m. 
• Supporting materials are due on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.  
• The committee will deliberate in January and early February to determine the selection of candidates moving forward.  
• Winners will be notified before spring break and will be invited to work with University Relations on sharing additional information about their accomplishments to be featured in the commencement program and news releases.