About
The WISE Awards has celebrated over 90 groundbreaking innovative education solutions since 2009. With over 5,300 applicants from across 151 countries, the legacy of the WISE Awards has grown to span a global network of innovators in, early childhood education, EdTech, life-long learning, climate action, social emotional learning, education in emergencies, higher education, 21st Century skills, informal learning and many more. Explore the network of finalists and winning projects and learn more about these outstanding initiatives.
After 15 years of celebrating innovation, WISE is now launching the next generation of the WISE Prize to identify a group of finalists to partake in a new competition. WISE will identify and provide support through capacity building and mentorship to organizations tackling new challenges ahead. This iteration of the WISE Prize will work with the chosen finalists over the span of one year to develop solutions that address key education challenges. Find out more details and how to apply for the 2025 WISE Prize competition here.
Africa
2023
International Common Assessment of Numeracy (ICAN), Kenya
2022
Childcare Social Franchising, Kenya
2020
Stawisha Instructional Leadership Institute, Kenya
2019
Akilah Institute, Rwanda
Widows Alliance Network– WANE, Ghana
2018
Safe Space Clubs for Girls, Nigeria
Partners for Possibility, South Africa
2017
The Learner Guide, Tanzania
Ubongo, Tanzania
2015
NewGlobe, Kenya
The Educate! Experience, United States of America, Uganda
The Talking Book Program, United States of America, Ghana
2013
Medersat.com, Morocco
PEAS, Uganda, Zambia, United Kingdom
2011
School Business Partnerships, Morocco
2010
Next Einstein Initiative, South Africa
The Smallholder Farmers Rural Studio, Nigeria
Asia
2023
Catalyzing ECE at Scale – Rocket Learning, India
2022
Climate Change Problem Solvers, India
2021
The Happiness Curriculum, India
Taleemabad, Pakistan
2020
Barefoot College Solar Electrification with Enriched Education, India
Parenting the Future (PTF), China
2019
Arpan’s Personal Safety Education Programme, India
2018
Technology-Based Deaf Education, Pakistan
One Village One Preschool, China
2016
TARA Akshar, India
2014
Educate Girls, India
2012
Solar-Powered Floating Schools, Bangladesh
Satya Bharti School Program, India
Cambodian Children’s Fund – Generational Change through Education, Cambodia
2011
BBC Janala, Bangladesh, United Kingdom
2010
The Citizens Foundation, Pakistan
2009
PROJECT Nanhi Kali, India
Europe
2023
Tekwill in Every School, Moldova
2021
onebillion, United Kingdom
ProFuturo Digital Education Program, Spain
2020
Think Equal, United Kingdom
Legal Education, Training, and Practice, United Kingdom
2019
Family Business for Education, United Kingdom
Micro:bit Educational Foundation, United Kingdom
United World Schools: Teaching the Unreached, United Kingdom
2017
42, France
Lights to Learn, Spain
2016
Ideas Box, France
2014
Me & MyCity, Finland
2013
Alison, Ireland
2012
RoboBraille, Denmark
2011
Teacher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa- TESSA, United Kingdom
Creative Partnerships, United Kingdom
2010
Rewrite the Future, United Kingdom
Latin America
2023
Nature-Based Education Networks, Colombia
2022
Educating for Wellbeing, Mexico
2021
Let’s All Learn to Read, Colombia
2020
Education for Sharing (E4S), Mexico
2019
Programa Criança Feliz, Brazil
2016
Geekie, Brazil
2015
Videobooks for Deaf Children, Argentina
2014
Alternate Education for Rural Development in Peru, Peru
2012
PSU Educarchile, Chile
2011
SuenaLetras, Chile
2009
Escuela Nueva Activa, Colombia
Distance Learning in the Amazon Forest, Brazil
The Financially Sustainable School, Paraguay
Middle East
2022
Internet Free Education Resource Bank, Qatar
2021
Trauma Informed Schools, Turkey
2016
Education for Growth and Value Creation, Lebanon
2015
Al-Bairaq, Qatar
Nafham, Egypt
2014
We Love Reading, Jordan
Street Children: Reintegration through Education, Egypt
2013
IThra Youth Initiative, Saudi Arabia
2010
United States and Canada
2023
Ahlan Simsim, United States of America and Jordan
NaTakallam: A Different Kind of Language Learning, United States of America
2022
Opportunity EduFinance, United States of America
Remake Learning, United States of America
2018
Generation, United States of America
1001 Nights Life Skills and Citizenship Education Program, Canada
2017
PhET Interactive Simulation, United States of America
Speed School, United States of America
2016
JUMP Math, Canada
Little Ripples, United States of America
2013
Pathways to Education, Canada
2012
Cristo Rey Network Corporate Work Study Program, United States of America
2011
OpenStax, United States of America
MIT OpenCourseWare, United States of America
2009
Curriki, United States of America
Africa
2023
International Common Assessment of Numeracy (ICAN), Kenya
2022
Childcare Social Franchising, Kenya
2020
Stawisha Instructional Leadership Institute, Kenya
2019
Akilah Institute, Rwanda
Widows Alliance Network– WANE, Ghana
2018
Safe Space Clubs for Girls, Nigeria
Partners for Possibility, South Africa
2017
The Learner Guide, Tanzania
Ubongo, Tanzania
2015
NewGlobe, Kenya
The Educate! Experience, United States of America, Uganda
The Talking Book Program, United States of America, Ghana
2013
Medersat.com, Morocco
PEAS, Uganda, Zambia, United Kingdom
2011
School Business Partnerships, Morocco
2010
Next Einstein Initiative, South Africa
The Smallholder Farmers Rural Studio, Nigeria
Asia
2023
Catalyzing ECE at Scale – Rocket Learning, India
2022
Climate Change Problem Solvers, India
2021
The Happiness Curriculum, India
Taleemabad, Pakistan
2020
Barefoot College Solar Electrification with Enriched Education, India
Parenting the Future (PTF), China
2019
Arpan’s Personal Safety Education Programme, India
2018
Technology-Based Deaf Education, Pakistan
One Village One Preschool, China
2016
TARA Akshar, India
2014
Educate Girls, India
2012
Solar-Powered Floating Schools, Bangladesh
Satya Bharti School Program, India
Cambodian Children’s Fund – Generational Change through Education, Cambodia
2011
BBC Janala, Bangladesh, United Kingdom
2010
The Citizens Foundation, Pakistan
2009
PROJECT Nanhi Kali, India
Europe
2023
Tekwill in Every School, Moldova
2021
onebillion, United Kingdom
ProFuturo Digital Education Program, Spain
2020
Think Equal, United Kingdom
Legal Education, Training, and Practice, United Kingdom
2019
Family Business for Education, United Kingdom
Micro:bit Educational Foundation, United Kingdom
United World Schools: Teaching the Unreached, United Kingdom
2017
42, France
Lights to Learn, Spain
2016
Ideas Box, France
2014
Me & MyCity, Finland
2013
Alison, Ireland
2012
RoboBraille, Denmark
2011
Latin America
2023
Nature-Based Education Networks, Colombia
2022
Educating for Wellbeing, Mexico
2021
Let’s All Learn to Read, Colombia
2020
Education for Sharing (E4S), Mexico
2019
Programa Criança Feliz, Brazil
2016
Geekie, Brazil
2015
Videobooks for Deaf Children, Argentina
2014
Alternate Education for Rural Development in Peru, Peru
2012
PSU Educarchile, Chile
2011
SuenaLetras, Chile
2009
Escuela Nueva Activa, Colombia
Distance Learning in the Amazon Forest, Brazil
The Financially Sustainable School, Paraguay
Middle East
2022
Internet Free Education Resource Bank, Qatar
2021
Trauma Informed Schools, Turkey
2016
Education for Growth and Value Creation, Lebanon
2015
Al-Bairaq, Qatar
Nafham, Egypt
2014
We Love Reading, Jordan
Street Children: Reintegration through Education, Egypt
2013
IThra Youth Initiative, Saudi Arabia
2010
United States and Canada
2023
Ahlan Simsim, United States of America and Jordan
NaTakallam: A Different Kind of Language Learning, United States of America
2022
Opportunity EduFinance, United States of America
Remake Learning, United States of America
2018
Generation, United States of America
1001 Nights Life Skills and Citizenship Education Program, Canada
2017
PhET Interactive Simulation, United States of America
Speed School, United States of America
2016
JUMP Math, Canada
Little Ripples, United States of America
2013
Pathways to Education, Canada
2012
Cristo Rey Network Corporate Work Study Program, United States of America
2011
OpenStax, United States of America
MIT OpenCourseWare, United States of America
2009
Curriki, United States of America
Support and Collaboration
Winning projects are supported by WISE through different channels:
- Money Prize: Each WISE Awards winning project will receive US$20,000.
- WISE Communications: Projects recognized by WISE are featured on the website, showcased and shared with the WISE community via social media.
- Multimedia productions: Special documentaries and videos are produced to showcase the work of the winning projects.
- WISE Books: Several WISE Awards finalists and winning projects have been featured in WISE Books which explore current challenges and solutions facing 21st-century education.
- The Global Summit and WISE@: Representatives from Award winning projects are also given the opportunity to present and discuss their work at dedicated sessions during the global biennial summit in Doha, Qatar or WISE regional summits, WISE@. In addition, projects are offered an opportunity to participate in global events organized in collaboration with WISE.
- Support to other WISE programs: Representative of former winning projects have been involved in other WISE projects, either through mentorship, participation in the selection processes, and fellowship programs.
Tips for applying
- Complete the application/nomination form in English as clearly as possible
- Be precise in your responses; provide evidence and concrete examples
- Numbers and data should be up-to-date and supported by verifiable evidence
- In case of an application form, include contact details of two valid supporters
- Provide real-life examples of beneficiaries when applicable
- Provide tangible numbers and proofs of impact.
Contact us at awards@wise.org.qa if you have any questions
Selection of WISE Awards Winners
Each year, the WISE Awards recognizes and promotes six innovative projects that address global education challenges and transforming communities. The selected projects are models of excellence that serve as an inspiration for others to improve education through innovation and creative action.
Each WISE Awards winning project will receive US$20,000, and will benefit from increased public interest through media exposure and other channels. The WISE Awards is not a grant scheme aimed at supporting projects, nor is it intended to be a source of funding for new and untried ideas. Any such applications or nominations will not be considered.
Who can apply/nominate a project for the WISE Awards
The 2023 WISE Awards submission procedure accepts both applications and nominations.
Ongoing/existing education projects run by any type of organization such as colleges, universities, academic networks, schools consortia, civil society and community organizations, governments, international agencies and private-sector companies working in the field of education are invited to apply or nominate.
Projects can also belong to any education sector such as pre-primary, primary, secondary, tertiary, vocational training, higher education, special needs education, informal learning, and distance-based, non-formal and lifelong learning.
Finally, projects from any part of the world can apply or be nominated for the WISE Awards.
APPLICATIONS
Applications should be for original works and projects, and should be submitted by a representative working within the project. All applicants should therefore guarantee that their organization, or they themselves, originated the project, and should not hold WISE liable for any action or claim from a third party with respect to the project submitted.
NOMINATIONS
Nominations can be submitted by persons external to the organization running the project, this could be a beneficiary, partnering organization, government agency, etc. Nominators will be requested to identify themselves in the submission form, although this information will be kept confidential by WISE, nominators may or may not request information from the project in order to best fill out the nomination form. However, WISE will contact nominated projects if they are shortlisted for the Pre-Jury evaluation.
PREVIOUS APPLICANTS
Anyone who has submitted a previous application to the WISE Awards can submit a new application for the same – or for a different – project.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Previous recipients of the WISE Awards are not eligible to apply for the 2023 WISE Awards. Moreover, others involved in the projects and/or activities that have received previous WISE Awards are not eligible to apply on behalf of the same project or activity.
What type of projects are we looking for?
The WISE Awards recognize innovative educational projects that have already demonstrated a transformative impact on individuals, communities and society.
The ideal project would be an ongoing, innovative and impactful education initiative that:
- Has an excellent record of proven success
- Is financially sustainable
- Has a clear plan indicating the project’s future objectives and future development
- Is scalable
- Is replicable in other contexts and regions of the world
- Has a clear understanding and knowledge of:
– its innovative nature;
– its distinctiveness within its sphere of action, and;
– the type and depth of its impact on its beneficiaries.
MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS
Only one application can be submitted for a single educational activity or project. This condition applies in instances where different organizations submit similar applications for the same educational activity or project, in this case all applications will be deemed ineligible.
Individuals may only submit a single application. Other individuals working for the same organization are allowed to submit different applications for different educational activities.
MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS
Several nominations from different individuals may be submitted for the same project, although this has no bearing on the judging process.
The same nominators may submit several nominations for different projects.
LANGUAGE
The language for applications to the 2023 WISE Awards is English. Whilst the quality of written English is not a criterion for assessing applications, it is strongly recommended that applicants pay particular attention to ensuring that their applications can be properly understood in English.
What is the submission process and timeline?
ELIGIBLE SUBMISSIONS
It is possible to apply for a WISE Awards on behalf of your own project, or to nominate another project for the WISE Award.
In order for the application/nomination form to be eligible, your submission must:
- Be entered into the official form on the online system (curriculum vita or other forms of documents will not be considered)
- Be complete and accurate
- Be submitted in English
- Be submitted online by the official deadline at https://programs.wise.org.qa/
- In the case of an application, the form must include the contact details of two supporters (e.g. former donors, local governments, other NGOs, etc.)
TIMELINE
- The deadline for submission of applications is 1 December 2022, 13:00 GMT.
- The Pre-Jury will review shortlisted eligible applications.
- The shortlisted Finalists will be announced in April 2023.
- An Innovation Assessment will be organized, as described below.
- The Jury will review the finalists based on the submitted forms and the due diligence conducted remotely.
- Announcement of the six winners September 2023.
How are the projects selected and evaluated?
INNOVATION ASSESSMENT
In the event that your project is amongst the finalist projects, applicants agree and allocate time for a remote innovation assessment. This assessment will be conducted virtually from a distance between January and May of 2023.
PRE-JURY
A Pre-Jury of education experts will be responsible for evaluating the initial applications or nominations and will propose a shortlist of finalists based on the criteria and the information provided in the application forms. WISE will approve the selection of around 12 finalists.
JURY
The shortlisted applications of the finalists will be reviewed by a Jury composed of prominent educational figures drawn from government, civil society, the private sector, international organizations, universities and social entrepreneurs. The Jury will select the six winning projects.
Prior to any decision by the Pre-Jury and the Jury, and during the entire selection process, WISE and/or the Pre-Jury or the Jury reserve the right to ask for clarification or supplementary information or documentation from the applicants. Additionally, information provided on the submitted forms will be reviewed and, in the event of any false or inaccurate information, the application will be deemed invalid.
Acknowledgement of general terms and conditions
PROJECT REPRESENTATIVE
In the case of an application, initial applicant will receive the Award on behalf of the project. Teams should select one project representative to apply and be the recipient of the Award.
In the case of a nomination, the project will be asked to select one project representative, should the project reach the finalist stage.
COMMUNICATION
WISE reserves the right to publicize the finalists and the winning projects by means of any kind of communication (internal and/or commercial advertising), through any promotional media (press, magazines, catalogues, websites, etc.) and all over the world.
This communication may be in the form of pictures, recordings (audio and video) and texts supplied by each of the Finalists and winning projects.
By reaching the finalist stage of the WISE Awards, contestants agree to provide photos and descriptions of their projects at the time of the Awards and for a period of at least two years following the Awards. They also acknowledge the right of the WISE initiative to use this material.
Finalists and winning projects agree to provide the WISE initiative with information on any developments related to their projects that may be a result of, or linked to, the WISE initiative and the WISE Awards.
The representatives of the winning projects also agree to give full access and facilitate, when necessary, the film production and innovation assessment conducted by a third party assessor.
DATA PROTECTION
By taking part in this competition, applicants agree that their personal details will be included in a database owned by the WISE initiative, which will be the exclusive custodian of the said details for the purpose of managing the specified competition. The WISE initiative will not sell or distribute applicants’ personal data to third parties.
Applicants have the right to access and modify any personal data concerning themselves. Applicants also have the right to refuse to be included in a database and may exercise these rights at any time by making the appropriate request in writing to awards@wise.org.qa.
LIABILITY
WISE reserves the right to modify the conditions of the call for projects and/or the Awards at any time.
WISE shall not be liable if the call for projects is extended, shortened, modified or cancelled, or if problems arise with the website or due to loss of materials in e-mail and/or postal services.
Applicants cannot dispute the choice of Finalists or the winning projects nor can they dispute the allocation of the Awards.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
WISE owns the intellectual property rights for texts, photos, films, documentaries, etc. made for the WISE initiative and also for the trademarks and logos appearing in various supporting media. Consequently, the applicants cannot use them, in whole or in part, unless they have received specific authorization from the WISE Team.
GOVERNING LAW – JURISDICTION
These rules for the WISE Awards are governed by Qatari law and, in the event of a dispute regarding their interpretation or performance, such a dispute shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in Doha, Qatar.
INFORMATION AND QUERIES
To access the application system and for further information about the 2023 WISE Awards please visit the official website: http://www.wise-qatar.org/wise-works/wise-awards. For any queries, please contact the WISE Team through the website or by email: awards@wise.org.qa.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE RULES OF “THE 2023 WISE AWARDS”
Applying for the 2023 WISE Awards implies full acceptance of and respect for these rules by the applicants.
Interpretation of these rules falls within the exclusive competence of WISE.
Who can apply/nominate a project for the WISE Awards
The 2023 WISE Awards submission procedure accepts both applications and nominations.
Ongoing/existing education projects run by any type of organization such as colleges, universities, academic networks, schools consortia, civil society and community organizations, governments, international agencies and private-sector companies working in the field of education are invited to apply or nominate.
Projects can also belong to any education sector such as pre-primary, primary, secondary, tertiary, vocational training, higher education, special needs education, informal learning, and distance-based, non-formal and lifelong learning.
Finally, projects from any part of the world can apply or be nominated for the WISE Awards.
APPLICATIONS
Applications should be for original works and projects, and should be submitted by a representative working within the project. All applicants should therefore guarantee that their organization, or they themselves, originated the project, and should not hold WISE liable for any action or claim from a third party with respect to the project submitted.
NOMINATIONS
Nominations can be submitted by persons external to the organization running the project, this could be a beneficiary, partnering organization, government agency, etc. Nominators will be requested to identify themselves in the submission form, although this information will be kept confidential by WISE, nominators may or may not request information from the project in order to best fill out the nomination form. However, WISE will contact nominated projects if they are shortlisted for the Pre-Jury evaluation.
PREVIOUS APPLICANTS
Anyone who has submitted a previous application to the WISE Awards can submit a new application for the same – or for a different – project.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Previous recipients of the WISE Awards are not eligible to apply for the 2023 WISE Awards. Moreover, others involved in the projects and/or activities that have received previous WISE Awards are not eligible to apply on behalf of the same project or activity.
What type of projects are we looking for?
The WISE Awards recognize innovative educational projects that have already demonstrated a transformative impact on individuals, communities and society.
The ideal project would be an ongoing, innovative and impactful education initiative that:
- Has an excellent record of proven success
- Is financially sustainable
- Has a clear plan indicating the project’s future objectives and future development
- Is scalable
- Is replicable in other contexts and regions of the world
- Has a clear understanding and knowledge of:
– its innovative nature;
– its distinctiveness within its sphere of action, and;
– the type and depth of its impact on its beneficiaries.
MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS
Only one application can be submitted for a single educational activity or project. This condition applies in instances where different organizations submit similar applications for the same educational activity or project, in this case all applications will be deemed ineligible.
Individuals may only submit a single application. Other individuals working for the same organization are allowed to submit different applications for different educational activities.
MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS
Several nominations from different individuals may be submitted for the same project, although this has no bearing on the judging process.
The same nominators may submit several nominations for different projects.
LANGUAGE
The language for applications to the 2023 WISE Awards is English. Whilst the quality of written English is not a criterion for assessing applications, it is strongly recommended that applicants pay particular attention to ensuring that their applications can be properly understood in English.
What is the submission process and timeline?
-
ELIGIBLE SUBMISSIONS
It is possible to apply for a WISE Awards on behalf of your own project, or to nominate another project for the WISE Award.
In order for the application/nomination form to be eligible, your submission must:
- Be entered into the official form on the online system (curriculum vita or other forms of documents will not be considered)
- Be complete and accurate
- Be submitted in English
- Be submitted online by the official deadline at https://programs.wise.org.qa/
- In the case of an application, the form must include the contact details of two supporters (e.g. former donors, local governments, other NGOs, etc.)
TIMELINE
- The deadline for submission of applications is 1 December 2022, 13:00 GMT.
- The Pre-Jury will review shortlisted eligible applications.
- The shortlisted Finalists will be announced in April 2023.
- An Innovation Assessment will be organized, as described below.
- The Jury will review the finalists based on the submitted forms and the due diligence conducted remotely.
- Announcement of the six winners September 2023.
How are the projects selected and evaluated?
INNOVATION ASSESSMENT
In the event that your project is amongst the finalist projects, applicants agree and allocate time for a remote innovation assessment. This assessment will be conducted virtually from a distance between January and May of 2023.
PRE-JURY
A Pre-Jury of education experts will be responsible for evaluating the initial applications or nominations and will propose a shortlist of finalists based on the criteria and the information provided in the application forms. WISE will approve the selection of around 12 finalists.
JURY
The shortlisted applications of the finalists will be reviewed by a Jury composed of prominent educational figures drawn from government, civil society, the private sector, international organizations, universities and social entrepreneurs. The Jury will select the six winning projects.
Prior to any decision by the Pre-Jury and the Jury, and during the entire selection process, WISE and/or the Pre-Jury or the Jury reserve the right to ask for clarification or supplementary information or documentation from the applicants. Additionally, information provided on the submitted forms will be reviewed and, in the event of any false or inaccurate information, the application will be deemed invalid.
Acknowledgement of general terms and conditions
PROJECT REPRESENTATIVE
In the case of an application, initial applicant will receive the Award on behalf of the project. Teams should select one project representative to apply and be the recipient of the Award.
In the case of a nomination, the project will be asked to select one project representative, should the project reach the finalist stage.
COMMUNICATION
WISE reserves the right to publicize the finalists and the winning projects by means of any kind of communication (internal and/or commercial advertising), through any promotional media (press, magazines, catalogues, websites, etc.) and all over the world.
This communication may be in the form of pictures, recordings (audio and video) and texts supplied by each of the Finalists and winning projects.
By reaching the finalist stage of the WISE Awards, contestants agree to provide photos and descriptions of their projects at the time of the Awards and for a period of at least two years following the Awards. They also acknowledge the right of the WISE initiative to use this material.
Finalists and winning projects agree to provide the WISE initiative with information on any developments related to their projects that may be a result of, or linked to, the WISE initiative and the WISE Awards.
The representatives of the winning projects also agree to give full access and facilitate, when necessary, the film production and innovation assessment conducted by a third party assessor.
DATA PROTECTION
By taking part in this competition, applicants agree that their personal details will be included in a database owned by the WISE initiative, which will be the exclusive custodian of the said details for the purpose of managing the specified competition. The WISE initiative will not sell or distribute applicants’ personal data to third parties.
Applicants have the right to access and modify any personal data concerning themselves. Applicants also have the right to refuse to be included in a database and may exercise these rights at any time by making the appropriate request in writing to awards@wise.org.qa.
LIABILITY
WISE reserves the right to modify the conditions of the call for projects and/or the Awards at any time.
WISE shall not be liable if the call for projects is extended, shortened, modified or cancelled, or if problems arise with the website or due to loss of materials in e-mail and/or postal services.
Applicants cannot dispute the choice of Finalists or the winning projects nor can they dispute the allocation of the Awards.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
WISE owns the intellectual property rights for texts, photos, films, documentaries, etc. made for the WISE initiative and also for the trademarks and logos appearing in various supporting media. Consequently, the applicants cannot use them, in whole or in part, unless they have received specific authorization from the WISE Team.
GOVERNING LAW – JURISDICTION
These rules for the WISE Awards are governed by Qatari law and, in the event of a dispute regarding their interpretation or performance, such a dispute shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in Doha, Qatar.
INFORMATION AND QUERIES
To access the application system and for further information about the 2023 WISE Awards please visit the official website: http://www.wise-qatar.org/wise-works/wise-awards. For any queries, please contact the WISE Team through the website or by email: awards@wise.org.qa.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE RULES OF “THE 2023 WISE AWARDS”
Applying for the 2023 WISE Awards implies full acceptance of and respect for these rules by the applicants.
Interpretation of these rules falls within the exclusive competence of WISE.
2023 WISE Awards
2023 Winners
Moldovan Association of ICT Companies (ATIC)
International Rescue Committee (IRC) – in partnership with Sesame Workshop
Catalyzing ECE at Scale (Rocket Learning)
Ekho Foundation
2023 Finalists
WISE Awards 2023 Jury
Emiliana Vegas
Professor of practice, Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE)
Shannon May
Co-founder & President, NewGlobe
Fahad Hamad Hassan Al- Sulaiti
CEO, Education Above All Foundation
Tim Howarth
Founding CEO & Board Advisor, United World Schools
Anthony B Maddox
Director and Co-Founder, Center for Engineering in Education
Abeer Al-Khalifa
President, Pre-University Education, Qatar Foundation
Vishal Talreja
Co-Founder, Dream a Dream
WISE Awards 2023 Pre-Jury Members
- Chibeza Agley, CEO, Obrizum Group
- Tracey Burns, Chief Research Officer, National Center on Education and the Economy in Washington, DC
- Gregory J. Moncada, Founding Director, Qatar Academy for Science and Technology (QAST)
- Nadia Naviwala, Senior advisor on Global Partnerships, The Citizens Foundation (TCF)
- Luis Fernando Sanabria, COO, Fundación Paraguaya
- Lydia Wilbard, Executive Director, Learning & Engagement, Camfed Tanzania
2022 WISE Awards
2022 Winners
Remake Learning
AtentaMente Consultores A.C.
Internet Free Education Resource Bank
Education Above All
Opportunity International
Climate Change Problem Solvers
Reap Benefit
2022 Finalists
WISE Awards 2022 Jury
Dayoung Lee
Associate Partner, Dalberg
Emiliana Vegas
Professor of practice, Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE)
Anthony B Maddox
Director and Co-Founder, Center for Engineering in Education
Tim Howarth
Founding CEO & Board Advisor, United World Schools
Shannon May
Co-founder & President, NewGlobe
Nieves Segovia Bonet
President, SEK Education group
Fahad Hamad Hassan Al- Sulaiti
CEO, Education Above All Foundation
WISE Awards 2022 Pre-Jury Members
- Ana Raad, Founder, Fundación REimagina and AprendoEnCasa.org
- Dr. Rana Dajani, Scientist and University Professor, Hashemite University in Jordan
- Dr. Tarek Chehidi, Global Lead, Future of Work and Public Sector, Teach For All
- Louka Parry, CEO and Founder, The Learning Future
- Lydia Wilbard, Executive Director, Camfed Tanzania
- Nadia Naviwala, Senior advisor on Global Partnerships ,The Citizens Foundation (TCF)
- Tracey Burns, Strategic Advisor, National Center on Education and the Economy
2021 WISE Awards
The innovative projects tackle a number of pressing educational issues including: implementing early childhood education access for all parents; promoting social-emotional across public schools; creating trauma informed curriculums in schools; providing civic education and teacher training education to marginalized and vulnerable populations; increasing access to platforms of knowledge; bridging the digital divide; increasing literacy and numeracy; empowering underprivileged women through skilling and entrepreneurship; initiatives addressing out of school girls; encouraging reading in early grades in marginalized communities.
2021 Winners
Dream a Dream
Fundación Luker
onebillion children
ProFuturo Digital Education Program
Telefonica Foundation and “la Caixa” Foundation
Orenda Project
Maya Vakfı (Foundation)
2021 Finalists
WISE Awards 2021 Jury
Fahad Hamad Hassan Al- Sulaiti
CEO, Education Above All Foundation
Dayoung Lee
Associate Partner, Dalberg
Liesbet Steer
Director, Education Commission
Kate Wang
Vice President of International Partnership, MyCOS Data
Alejandro Caballero
Principal Education Specialist, IFC (the World Bank Group)
François Taddei
Director, The Center for Research and Interdisciplinarity
Nisha Ligon
CEO, Ubongo
WISE Awards 2021 Pre-Jury Members
- Ana Maria Raad, Director, EcosiSTEAM
- Aysha Al-Mudakha, Director of Strategic Initiative Partnership Development in CEO Office, Qatar Foundation
- Daisy Mertens, Teacher, Communityschool De Vuurvogel/ Number5 Foundation
- Janhvi Kanoria, Director, Innovation Development, Education Above All
- Louka Parry, Founder and CEO, The Learning Future
- Lydia Wildbard, National Director, Camfed Tanzania
- Pooja Taparia, Founder and Chief Executive, Arpan
- Dr. Tarek Chehidi, Global Knowledge Lead, Public Sector & Government Partnerships, Teach For All
2020 WISE Awards
Six projects from five countries have won the 2020 WISE Awards for their innovative solutions to education challenges and their positive social impact. This year 625 projects have applied or been nominated for the WISE Awards.
The six winners join the WISE Awards community of projects that are supporting the replication of cutting-edge practices and encouraging new collaboration around the world.
2020 Winners
Barefoot College Solar Electrification with Enriched Education
Barefoot College
Education for Sharing
Legal Education, Training, and Practice
Justice Defenders
Hupan Modou (HPMD) Foundation
Think Equal
2020 Finalists
- MyMachine
- Signlab
- Transformational Teacher Training
- Arkki School of Creativity for Children
- CETC-Hero School
- The Company Program
- MAIA Impact School
- Dengbe Bide “ Two Rabbits”
- Pratham Book Storyweaver
To date, the WISE Awards have recognized 72 projects for their innovative, transformative impact. Explore the growing network of WISE Awards winning projects and learn more about these outstanding initiatives.
WISE Awards 2020 Jury
Carolyn Acker
Founder, Pathways to Education
Nisha Ligon
CEO, Ubongo
Liesbet Steer
Director, Education Commission
Beth Yu
Executive Secretary-General, Jack Ma Foundation
Dr. Randa Grob-Zakhary
Executive Director, Insights for Education Foundation
Dr. Francois Taddei
Director, The Center for Research and Interdisciplinarity
Veronika Zonabend
Founder, RVVZ Foundation
WISE Awards 2020 Pre-Jury Members
- Dr. Tarek Chehidi, Global Knowledge Lead, Public Sector & Government Partnerships, Teach For All
- Dolores Dickson, Executive Director, Camfed Canada
- Louka Parry, Founder and CEO, The Learning Future
- Ana Maria Raad, Director, EcosiSTEAM
- Gabriel Stauring, Founder and Executive director, iACT
- Dr. Peggy Pelonis, Acting President, American Community School, Athens
- Janhvi Kanoria, Director, Innovation Development, Education Above All
2019 WISE Awards
Six projects from four countries have won the 2019 WISE Awards for their innovative solutions to education challenges and their positive social impact. This year 481 projects have applied or been nominated for the WISE Awards.
The six winners join the WISE Awards community of projects that are supporting the replication of cutting-edge practices and encouraging new collaboration around the world.
Get to know the projects:
2019 Winners
Davis College
Micro:bit Educational Foundation
Micro:bit Educational Foundation
United World Schools: Teaching the Unreached
United World Schools
Ministry of Citizenship, Brazil
Street Child
2019 Finalists
- MyMachine
- Stawisha Leadership Institute
- OpenClassrooms
- ReBootKamp
- Dost Education
- Peer Coaching Plan
- Moringa School
- Institut de l’Engagement
- CareerAware
To date, the WISE Awards have recognized 72 projects for their innovative, transformative impact. Explore the growing network of WISE Awards winning projects and learn more about these outstanding initiatives.
WISE Awards 2019 Jury
Claudio Sassaki
CEO, Geekie
Ben Nelson
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Minerva Project
Emad Al Khaja
CEO, INJAZ Qatar
Kate Wang
Vice President of International Partnership, MyCOS Data
Dr. Randa Grob Zakhary
Executive Director, Insights for Education Foundation
Dr. Peter Materu
Chief Program Officer, Mastercard Foundation
Beth Yu
Executive Secretary-General, Jack Ma Foundation
WISE Awards 2019 Pre-Jury Members
- Dr. Tarek Chehidi, Global Knowledge Lead, Public Sector & Government Partnerships, Teach For All
- Gabriel Stauring, Founder and Executive Director, iACT
- Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez, President, Utah Valley University
- Christy Moorhead, COO, Rumie
- Saku Tuominen, CEO, HundrED
- Daniel Dotse, Founder and Chief Executive, Lead for Ghana
Network of projects
Since 2009, WISE has identified, showcased and promoted innovative educational projects through the WISE Awards. Find out more about previous WISE Awards winning projects.