STUDENT AWARDS
The University of Nevada, Reno Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion invites students to participate in the 2026 Northern Nevada Diversity Summit and indicate their interest in being considered for the Student Impact Awards and the Student Speech Awards.
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The Student Impact Awards and the Student Speech Awards showcase the ways students contribute to advancing inclusive excellence, strengthening communities, and preparing Nevada’s future workforce. Through research, engagement, collaboration, and public dialogue, students help translate ideas about belonging, opportunity, and access into meaningful impact across our institutions and communities.
Additional information about each opportunity, including eligibility and participation details, is available in the sections below.
STUDENT IMPACT AWARDS
The University of Nevada, Reno Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is pleased to announce the newly established Student Impact Awards. These three awards recognize outstanding student innovation and community engagement that strengthens partnerships across Nevada’s workforce and communities. Honorees demonstrate meaningful and sustained impact at the University of Nevada, Reno and within the broader community through research, community engagement, and organizational partnerships.
Three awards will be presented annually to students who demonstrate meaningful and sustained impact through research, community engagement, or organizational partnership. Each recipient receives a $1,000 award in recognition of their contributions.
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To be considered for a Student Impact Award, students must submit or be included in a proposal submission for the 2026 Northern Nevada Diversity Summit. Additional details about award categories and eligibility requirements are available by selecting the Award Information button below.
STUDENT SPEECH AWARDS
The Northern Nevada Diversity Summit Student Speech Award is an annual competition hosted by the University of Nevada, Reno Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The award provides students from Nevada System of Higher Education institutions the opportunity to share their perspectives on a predetermined topic.
The first-place winners from each participating institution and academic level will receive a monetary award and will be invited to present their speeches at the 2026 Northern Nevada Diversity Summit.​
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This year’s theme invites students to explore the ways in which inclusive practices cultivate belonging and expand access to opportunity. Students are encouraged to reflect on the ways that inclusive environments, educational pathways, and community support translate into meaningful workforce and community impact across Nevada.
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Additional details about eligibility requirements and submission guidelines are available by selecting the Student Speech Award Information button below.
