Governor's Awards for Excellence

The nomination period for recognizing achievements that occurred in 2025 will be open from January 5 to January 30, 2026.

• All permanent full-time, part-time, or seasonal Commonwealth employees, with the exception of agency heads, deputy secretaries, chief counsels, and equivalent positions, are eligible to be nominated.
• Nominators must be current, permanent Commonwealth employees. Self-nominations will not be accepted.
• Group nominations should be limited to no more than 10 employees within a group. All group members should have played an active part in the achievement.

Within the nomination year (2025), one or more of the following criteria must be met in the performance of job duties:

• The service, achievement, or accomplishment must have significant impact on the general public, or the life, safety, or property of another (others).
• The service, achievement, or accomplishment must have significantly enhanced the image, prestige, or effectiveness of the Commonwealth.
• The development of Commonwealth policy or improved methods or procedures has resulted in significant increased productivity, cost-savings or revenue enhancements, innovation, efficiency, or service to the commonwealth. 

To submit a nomination, go to the Nomination Site (Awards.pa.gov)* and complete the nomination form​.

• Each nomination must include a clear, substantive description of the achievement and can be expanded beyond the nomination by up to five pages of supporting materials. Attach all supporting documentation that can substantiate the reasons for nomination (e.g., letters of commendation or appreciation, description of work projects, press releases, verification of savings, etc.)
• You can save your progress on a nomination and finish it later! Your pending nominations will be displayed upon entering the nomination site.
• You will not be able to view or modify nominations after they have been submitted as complete.

*VPN or access to a computer at a Commonwealth worksite is required.

*Chrome browser strongly encouraged.

Nominations should contain a complete description of the program, process, technique, operation, or accomplishment and answer the following as applicable:

• Description of what has been done and for whom.
• Description of why the approach or achievement was identified or selected for consideration of an award.
• Description of how the accomplishment was achieved.
• Identify the challenges, barriers, or obstacles encountered and how they were overcome.
• Description of why the program(s) or project(s) is unique or innovative.
• Description of what benefits resulted from the effort.  (To the extent possible, success stories should be included)
• Description of any measurable monetary or non-monetary benefits or results, including dollars saved, costs prevented, or revenue generated, that can be used to quantify success.

If you have questions about the Governor's Awards for Excellence, please contact us at ra-awards4excellence@pa.gov.