Programs / Education

CoSA Awards Program

The Council of State Archivists Awards Program acknowledges institutions, individuals, and programs that have enriched and strengthened our nation's state and territorial archives. It rewards innovative efforts and provides encouragement for the development of new and remarkable projects. By recognizing exemplary achievements, the Council of State Archivists hopes to inspire others to make similar contributions. The awards are presented at the CoSA annual meeting or other suitable venue.

Sample Press Release

Award winners can use this Sample Press Release to help publicize their award.

For more information about each award, directions for applying, and a list of past recipients, click on the titles below.

2022 Nominations, Selection, and Presentation Schedule:

April 4, 2022: Deadline for nominations - Midnight Eastern Time

May 9, 2022: Notification of award recipients

September 2022: Awards presented at CoSA Annual Meeting in Nashville

November 8, 2021: Deadline nominations for CoSA-Ancestry Leadership Award - Midnight Eastern Time

The Council of State Archivists Awards Program is generously sponsored by

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CoSA-Ancestry Leadership Award

With the generous support of AncestryTM, the Council of State Archivists undertakes its strategic plan commitment to facilitate next-generation leadership development by providing up to $1,000 reimbursement for individuals or $2,000 reimbursement for groups of mid-level managers in state and territorial archives to help develop their professional potential and prepare for advancement.

Victoria Irons Walch Leadership Award

The Victoria Irons Walch Leadership Award recognizes the sustained leadership and outstanding contributions of an individual or institution to the development of state and territorial archives or to CoSA.

Victoria Irons Walch Emerging Leader Travel Stipend

To encourage the development of an emerging leader in state and territorial archives, the Victoria Irons Walch Emerging Leader Travel Stipend will provide one stipend (up to a maximum of $1,000) each year for an individual to attend the annual Council of State Archivists meeting.

Advocacy for Archives Award

The Advocacy for Archives Award acknowledges an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to efforts by state and local government archives to ensure the preservation and availability of the American historical record.

Rising Star Awards

The Rising Stars awards acknowledge outstanding contributions by individual staff members or teams to their state archives and constituencies.

CoSA-NHPRC SHRAB Award of Merit

NOMINATION DEADLINE: April 6, 2020

The CoSA-NHPRC SHRAB Award of Merit is given to a State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) project or program that resulted in strengthening the condition or access of documents and records within its state.

"You Gotta Be Here!” Annual Meeting Travel Stipend for Underrepresented Archives and Young Professionals Award

The Council of State Archivists (CoSA) introduces a new award in 2020, with support from Atlas Systems. CoSA and Atlas Systems share a commitment to supporting educational development for underserved and/or diverse staff of state and territorial archives with the “You Gotta Be Here!” Annual Meeting Travel Stipend for Underrepresented Archives and Young Professionals” award.

This scholarship will encourage participation by CoSA members or staff who find it difficult to fund travel to the Annual Meeting due to distance and/or cost. The travel stipend will provide one award (up to a maximum of $1,250) for an individual to attend the Council of State Archivists’ Annual Meeting.

President's Awards of Excellence

The President's Awards of Excellence are given at the discretion of the CoSA President and are not open for nominations.