Ideal district candidates are ready to intentionally integrate Uncharted Learning entrepreneurship programs into their career-connected learning strategy and are actively engaged in conversation with us about how entrepreneurship can advance their vision for student readiness beyond high school.

Districts must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Public School Districts
• Middle school and/or high school levels
• Ability to launch or expand entrepreneurship programming for the 2026–27 school year
• Willingness to be acknowledged and promoted upon receipt of award, including but not limited to interviews, photographs, video recordings, and written features highlighting participation and outcomes

• Current Uncharted Learning member districts are not eligible

The Award is designed to recognize and reward  those districts that, in the sole judgment of Uncharted Learning (UL),  best demonstrate the following: 

1. A clear commitment to career-connected learning, with evidence of district-level priorities or initiatives that prepare students for postsecondary pathways.
2. Readiness to activate entrepreneurship across multiple schools or grade levels, signaling district-wide impact rather than a single-site pilot.
3. Strong district leadership alignment and support, including superintendent or cabinet-level sponsorship and clarity around ownership and decision-making.
4. Capacity to launch or expand entrepreneurship programming in the 2026–27 school year, including scheduling, staffing, and implementation readiness.
5. An identified local community partner (e.g., Chamber of Commerce, economic development organization, or industry partner) is prepared to support authentic, real-world learning experiences.
6. A demonstrated belief in experiential learning and student agency, with evidence of instructional practices or programs that prioritize hands-on learning, ownership, and relevance.
7. Demonstrated need and equity considerations, including districts serving higher percentages of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals and/or students historically underrepresented in career-connected learning opportunities.

Evaluators will apply the criteria described above holistically, and not all criteria will be weighed equally. Selection decisions are final and binding. While UL values transparency, it is not able to provide individual feedback or explanations regarding application or selection decisions.

UL reserves the right to disqualify any application that is incomplete, inaccurate, submitted after the deadline, or otherwise fails to comply with the requirements of the initiative.

UL also reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the Entrepreneurship In Action Award initiative, in whole or in part, at any time and for any reason, including but not limited to administrative, technical, or legal considerations.

Applications must be submitted via the following Form.  [Link]. The application window is Feb 9, 2026 - April 6, 2026. Dates are firm; late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

The application may only be submitted by a person who has prior authority to do so on behalf of the school district.  Unauthorized submissions are not eligible to participate or receive an Entrepreneurship In Action Award.  

Applicants can expect to spend approximately 2-3 hours completing the application. While it can be completed in one sitting, many districts find it helpful to draft responses over a couple of sessions to reflect thoughtfully on their strategy and readiness. You will have the ability to save a draft in the submission platform. You can also share the application with colleagues and collaborate on responses.  

Launch can include either initiating an entrepreneurship program in middle and/or high school, or expanding or accelerating an existing program through the adoption of Uncharted Learning curricula.

Christy Scott

christy@unchartedlearning.org