Keystone Awards 2026

Outstanding Student Experience Initiative or Project

Celebrating innovation that transforms the student journey

At Keystone Education Group, we believe every great education story begins with an experience that truly matters -one that empowers, supports, and inspires students to reach their potential.

The Outstanding Student Experience Initiative or Project Award recognizes higher education institutions that have gone above and beyond to enhance the quality, inclusivity, and impact of student life. This award celebrates programs, initiatives, or projects that make students feel seen, supported, and set up for success whether on campus, abroad, online, or in the community.

What makes a great candidate?

We’re looking for institutions that have created or led initiatives which:

Address a clear student need, challenge, or opportunity and meaningfully enrich the academic, social, wellbeing, or mobility experience
Demonstrate measurable positive outcomes — such as improved engagement, satisfaction, participation, or retention
Strengthen inclusion, accessibility, and belonging, ensuring students feel supported and empowered
Use creative or innovative approaches to engage students in new and effective ways
Show evidence of lasting impact beyond a single cohort, contributing to long-term improvement in the student experience

From wellbeing programs and mentorship initiatives to digital engagement tools, mobility projects, and community-building activities — we want to celebrate the projects that truly reshape what an outstanding student experience can look like.

Why enter?

Winning this award means joining a community of education leaders shaping the future of student engagement.
Winners gain:

Recognition as a trailblazer in student experience innovation
Feature opportunities across Keystone’s international education networks
Visibility among thousands of prospective students and partners worldwide
A powerful platform to showcase your institution’s impact and values

Key Dates

Presented by Beyond Abroad

This award is proudly sponsored by Beyond Abroad, recognizing the transformative power of global education experiences and the projects that make them possible.

Inspire. Empower. Transform.
If your institution is redefining what it means to deliver an outstanding student experience -we want to hear your story.