Inaugurated in 2001 by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), the intent of the Gordon Prize is to recognize new modalities and experiments in education that develop effective engineering leaders. The focus is on innovations such as curricular design, teaching methods, and technology-enabled learning that strengthen students' capabilities and desire to grow into leadership roles.
The Gordon Prize is presented annually*, and the recipient receives a $500,000 cash award, half granted to the recipient and the remainder granted to the recipient's institution to support the continued development, refinement, and dissemination of the recognized innovation. NAE members and non-members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S., and who currently are and have been substantially engaged in their engineering and scholastic work in institutions within the U.S. are eligible for the Gordon Prize.
The following information constitutes a complete nomination:
1. A completed nomination form. 2. Attached information that includes:
a narrative description of the teaching innovation, in an attachment of no more than five (5) pages that addresses the selection criteria (see Gordon Prize Addendum). Nominators are encouraged to be explicit when writing the narrative description regarding the nominated engineering education program/teaching innovation, by focusing on how it specifically promotes engineering leaders and leadership skills through curricula and/or individual projects.
Current curriculum of the nominated engineering education program/teaching innovation, with an emphasis on courses that provide leadership skills training (no more than five (5) pages).
The candidate's curriculum vitae (no more than two (2) pages per candidate).
A selected bibliography of publications relevant to the innovation (no more than two (2) pages) - optional.
At least three (3) and not more than six (6) supporting letters (no more than one-third of which may be from current and/or previous students and/or colleagues at the institution where the innovation was developed).
Note: Nominations without supporting letters will not be considered. Supporting letters may accompany the nomination form or may be sent separately, as long as all components of the nomination are received by the NAE Awards Office by April 3, 2009. The nominator is responsible for soliciting supporting letters and ensuring that the letters are submitted to the NAE Awards Office by the deadline. Supporting letters may be addressed to the nominator or the Gordon Prize committee and forwarded to the NAE Awards Office.
Gordon Prize Selection Criteria
The narrative description of the teaching innovation that accompanies the nomination form and additional materials should provide qualitative and quantitative evidence that the following criteria are met:
Educational paradigm for building future engineering leaders
Paradigm Execution: Its quality and impact on the home institution
Transferability and diffusion of the innovation to other institutions
Success in Producing Engineering Leaders
Use of Prize: The potential of the nominee(s) to utilize the recognition and resources conferred by the prize to further enhance the design or execution of their educational paradigm, and to share their ideas and experience with other academic institutions.
