The Divergent Awards are open for 2026.

Since 2016, these awards have been one of the longest-running parts of this work. They began as a way to recognize educators and scholars who were helping shape literacy in a digital age. Over time, the circle widened. The questions widened too.

What began as recognition for research in digital-age literacies has grown into something broader. It is now a way to notice thoughtful, courageous, community-rooted work in literacy, education, organizing, and digital life.

What Is Changing This Year

This year, we wanted to make the Awards clearer, more useful, and more honest.

That meant a few things.

  • We revised the category language so it better reflects the work we are actually trying to recognize now.
  • We added the Collective Power Award for a group, movement, or organization doing meaningful work together.
  • We tightened the nomination process so it is easier to understand and easier to participate in.
  • We made the selection approach more explicit. These awards are meant to be selective, thoughtful, and grounded in real contribution, not visibility or prestige.

We want to say something plainly. We do not need to give every award every year.

That is part of the change too.

The goal is not to fill every slot or perform continuity for its own sake. The goal is to recognize work that genuinely deserves attention.

Why We Made These Changes

As we looked back across earlier years, it became clear that the Awards carried real history and real goodwill, but they also needed a stronger public frame.

Some people knew the Awards well. Others had only a vague sense of what they were. Some past honorees and community members could see the quality of the people recognized, but not always the logic or shape of the Awards themselves.

So this year’s relaunch is about making that shape easier to understand.

We want the Divergent Awards to feel like this.

  • more welcoming to nominators
  • more transparent in how they work
  • more open to people and groups outside the usual centers of recognition
  • more grounded in care, contribution, and community impact

The 2026 Categories

The current award categories are listed below.

  • Research & Practice Award
  • Publication Award
  • Advocacy Award
  • Community Practice Award
  • Dissertation Award
  • Collective Power Award

Some of those categories build on earlier versions of the Awards. Some have been renamed or clarified. One is entirely new.

That evolution is intentional. We want the Awards to honor their history without being trapped by it.

Who Should Be Nominated

You do not need to be famous, institutionally powerful, or widely visible to belong here.

We hope to hear about people and groups like these.

  • educators and researchers
  • community organizers
  • grassroots groups and collectives
  • advocates working in public or digital spaces
  • authors, podcasters, zine-makers, and community journalists
  • people doing meaningful work that may not otherwise be recognized

Self-nominations are welcome. International nominations are welcome. Group nominations are welcome.

How To Nominate

Nominations are open through July 15, 2026.

To nominate someone, visit the Awards page.

https://initiativeforliteracy.org/divergent-awards/

You can also explore the full archive of past honorees here.

https://initiativeforliteracy.org/divergent-awards/archive/

A Smaller, More Intentional Recognition

At their best, the Divergent Awards are not just a list of names. They are a way of paying attention.

They help us notice work that is generous, grounded, and often easy to overlook in louder or more prestige-driven spaces. They remind us that recognition can be relational, not just ceremonial.

That is the spirit we want to carry forward in 2026.

If someone comes to mind, nominate them.