Welcome to NCMPR's 2026 Paragon Awards

NCMPR’s Paragon Awards recognize outstanding achievement in communication, events, campaigns and creative work. It’s the only national competition of its kind for marcom and PR pros at community and technical colleges exclusively.

ENTRY DEADLINES

Nov. 30: Early bird
Dec. 10: Regular
All entries are digital and must be upload by 11:59 p.m. on those due dates.

ENTRY FEES

NCMPR Members

Early Bird (Through Nov. 30): $60 per entry

Early Bird Volume Discount: NCMPR member colleges submitting 10 or more entries in a single transaction pay $55 per entry.

To qualify for early bird pricing, including the volume discount, all entries must be completed and payment must be made by credit card or an invoice generated for payment by check by Nov. 30. Checks may be mailed after the deadline, provided the invoice was generated by Nov. 30.

Regular (After Nov. 30): $75 per entry

Nonmembers

$125 per entry

JUDGING AND AWARDS

Paragon Award entries are evaluated by industry experts in marketing, public relations and communications from outside the community and technical college sector. Gold, silver and bronze awards may be presented in each category based on judges' scores, with no ties awarded. Winners receive a prestigious Paragon Award engraved with their institution's name and award category.

Winners will be recognized at the 2027 NCMPR National Conference, March 17-20, in Chicago. Award recipients will be notified in early January.

All entry fees must be paid in full before awards are distributed. Winners unable to attend the awards ceremony may be responsible for a nominal shipping fee. Additional awards may be available for purchase following the national conference.

QUESTIONS?

Contact Natalie Daggett at the national office at 505-349-0500, ext. 2.

If you are not a member of NCMPR or do not find your college in the drop-down list, contact the national office at 505-349-0500, ext. 5.