Bold By Choice Summit 2026 Gala Awards
April 28, 2026
Awards
Stewards of Possibility: Congratulations to Colorado Charter School Institute
Award: Stewards of Possibility
The Stewards of Possibility award recognizes and honors organizations that are stewarding possibility by challenging the givens, pioneering new and different approaches, and passionately pursuing excellence for all students.
Why They Were Selected
CSI stands out nationally for demonstrating that great authorizing is about more than compliance and oversight. It’s about breaking barriers, fostering innovation, and encouraging schools to create new possibilities for students, families, and educators.
Pathways to Opportunity: Congratulations to West Michigan Aviation Academy
Award: Pathways to Opportunity
The Pathways to Opportunity award recognizes and honors organizations that build purposeful pathways for students and make learning relevant, rigorous, and connected to real-world careers, credentials, and future opportunities.
Why They Were Selected
West Michigan Aviation Academy stands out for demonstrating how career-connected learning can unleash student potential when it is built with purpose and intention. The meaningful pathways and partnerships they have created with business and industry make opportunities real and equip students to dream bigger and achieve more.
Arch Changer: Congratulations to The Mind Trust
Award: Arch Changer
The Arc Changers Award recognizes and honors organizations that have a bold vision, change mindsets, overcome obstacles, and persist with purpose and fortitude to make education work better for all students.
Why They Were Selected
The Mind Trust embodies the spirit of the Arc Changer Award by refusing to accept the status quo in public education. Through active leadership, talent development, school incubation, and a steadfast commitment to opportunity for all, they have brought people together to bend the arch of education toward students and families.
Catalyst: Congratulations to Bluum and the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation
Award: Catalyst
The Catalyst Award recognizes and honors organizations that envision a better way and take action to bring people together around a shared vision and purpose. Through leadership, collaboration, and support, catalysts spark change and propel opportunities for students and families beyond what any organization could accomplish alone.
Why They Were Selected
Their “20 in 10” campaign was a bold vision that brought people together around purpose and sparked action. Their ongoing leadership, commitment to excellence, and generous philanthropy – combined with the founding and hard work of Bluum, propelled progress. Together, they have catalyzed a movement, developed leaders, incubated and supported schools, eliminated barriers, pioneered the use of federal CSP grants funds, and shown how the development of a dynamic education ecosystem elevates possibilities for all.
The Lantern Award: Congratulations to Ann Andrews
Award: The Lantern Award
The Lantern Award honors an individual whose leadership has helped light the way for others—guiding the field forward with clarity, courage, and a deep commitment to students.
Why She Was Selected
Ann stands out as a leader who has consistently helped others see what is possible and move forward with purpose. Her work reflects both strength and generosity, shaping the field in ways that will continue well into the future.
