The Excellence in Project Management Award recognizes students who effectively implement project management strategies to enhance their work. The award is based on a new publication from Future Problem Solving, the Guide to Project Management Implementation in Community Problem Solving, which supports our Community Project program activities from initiation through completion. Competitors prepare their project management documentation to submit to judges for consideration. Students participating in Community Projects at the International Conference are encouraged to submit for the Excellence in Project Management award, so they can be recognized for attaining new skills. Submissions are due by May 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT.
| Division | Submission requirements |
| Junior (grades 4-6) | Project Information page Stakeholder List RACI chart Team Canvas Lessons Learned – answers to four questions, completed after affiliate competition |
| Middle (grades 7-9) | Project Information page Stakeholder List RACI chart Team Canvas Choice of one: a. Examples of three retrospectives in the team’s chosen format b. Answers to four lessons learned questions, completed after affiliate competition. |
| Senior (grades 10-12) | Project Information page Stakeholder List RACI chart Team Canvas Example of a task management tool (Kanban or work breakdown structure) Choice of one: a. Examples of three retrospectives in the team’s chosen format b. Answers to four of the lessons learned questions, completed after affiliate competition. |
Tools and Templates
1. Project information
Students complete a table of information about their project, including a 100 word summary of their project.
2. Stakeholder list
Students create a list of all stakeholders that could impact the project or be impacted by the student work.
3. Responsibility Matrix
In the RACI chart, a responsibility matrix, students mark which stakeholders are responsible, accountable, consulted, or informed in project deliverables.
4. Team Canvas
Students create a one page representation of how the project team works together. The canvas includes important topics like team values, rules, needs and expectations.
5. Task Management Tools
Students choose whether to present a Kanban board or a work breakdown structure in their documentation. Students must share three different views of the tool’s use in their work.
6. Reflection Tools
Students choose whether to present lessons learned or project retrospectives in their award documentation.
How to submit for the award
You can review the submission requirements and instructions at the linked page. Email Caitlin@fpspi.org with any questions.
Frequently asked questions
Judging
Judges use the Excellence in Project Management rubric to score student submissions. The rubric addresses each tool and the organization and format of the student submission.
Each submission is considered by multiple judges. Each judge uses total points for each submission to determine the project’s rank. The first place submission in each division will receive an award.
While there are guidelines and descriptions of expectations, judging is based on subjective scoring. Because there is no single “right” answer, varying interpretations of student work are possible. It is the decision of each judge to determine the points that will be awarded for each section of a scoresheet.
Questions?
If you have any questions, fill out our IC help form.
The free guide is made possible through a grant from the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation.
