Nomination deadline for all awards – March 18, 2024

Each year at the NETWORK conference, MCAE presents the Outstanding Student Award, Outstanding Educator Award, and the Ruth E. Derfler Memorial Scholarship.

The Outstanding Student Award is presented to a student who has:
  • Improved the life situation(s) of self/others as a result of the learning/teaching experience.
  • Demonstrated leadership within the teaching/learning environment.
  • Met significant challenges in an effective way.
  • Been supportive of others engaged in teaching or learning in the field of adult education.

MCAE presents the 2021 Outstanding Student Award to Rafaela Joseph (Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester)
(Read the Press Release)

The Outstanding Educator Award is presented to a teacher, counselor, administrator or volunteer who has:

MCAE presents the 2021 Outstanding Educator Award to Leah Gregory (East Boston Harborside Community School)
(Read the Press Release)

  • Improved the life situation(s) of learners/colleagues as a result of the learning/teaching experience.
  • Demonstrated leadership within the teaching/learning/counseling/ administrative environment.
  • Met significant challenges in an effective way.
  • Been supportive of others engaged in teaching or learning in the field of adult education.
  • Demonstrated achievements which show selfless dedication, service and commitment to the principles of adult and continuing education.
The Ruth E. Derfler Memorial Scholarship is given in memory of MCAE’s past president and a beloved colleague to many in the adult education field. It is presented to an adult student who has:
  • Completed their studies at a Massachusetts adult basic education program and has been accepted by a college, community college, university, or technical training program or has a provisional acceptance and can forward official documentation of acceptance.
  • Achieved academic success in their adult education programs.
  • Assumed leadership roles in their communities and classrooms.
  • Persisted in the face of challenges.
  • Formulated clear goals for their future education plans.

MCAE presents a 2021 Ruth E. Derfler Memorial Scholarship to Hafsa Asfa (Mt. Wachusett Community College)
(Read the Press Release)

MCAE presents a 2021 Ruth E. Derfler Memorial Scholarship to Selvin Socop Morales (Intergenerational Literacy Program)
(Read the Press Release)

Occasionally the MCAE Board of Directors recognizes a lifetime of service to the field of Adult Education.

MCAE presents a 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award to Ms. Andrea Perrault
(Read the Press Release)


The MCAE Awards Committee determines the categories and criteria for recognition, solicits and reviews nominations, and selects the award recipients. If you are interested in joining the Awards Committee, please contact info@mcae.net.