These awards recognize exceptional community engagement activity that aligns with one or more of the university’s Top Tier 2.0 Community Partnership objectives and reflects Carnegie-defined academic community engagement.

There are four award categories, as follows: 

• 2026 Service-Learning Faculty Award
  • This award is given annually to one faculty member or instructor who has taught a recognized service-learning course.
  • The selected recipient will receive a monetary award of $2,000.
• 2026 Community-Based Research Faculty Award
  • This award is given annually to one faculty member who has conducted community-based research.
  • The selected recipient will receive a monetary award of $2,000.
• 2026 Faculty/Staff Community Outreach Award
  • This award is given annually to one academic/administrative faculty or classified staff member who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to UNLV-related community outreach activities.
  • The selected recipient will receive a monetary award of $1,500.
• 2026 Student Service Award
  • This award is given annually to one student who has had a positive impact in the Southern Nevada community by volunteering their time and talent to address a community need.
  • The selected recipient will receive a monetary award of $1,000.

Those who wish to nominate someone or who wish to apply on their own behalf must submit their applications by February 1, 2026. 

To learn more or to apply, visit the UNLV Community Engagement Awards Portal.