Two students will be selected as IA Scholars Awardees, one who entered UF as a freshmen (Four-Year Scholar) and one who entered as a transfer student (Two-Year Scholar (if in the graduating class).

• IA Scholar Four-Year recipient
• IA Scholar Two-Year recipient

Selection Criteria

Students will be selected on the following criteria in the following order:

• IA minor GPA
• Cumulative GPA
• Additional Academic credentials (Combined Degree Programs, Dual Degree Programs, Additional Minors, Other academic endeavors)

This award will be presented to a student who has continually exhibited outstanding creativity, entrepreneurial thinking, leadership and ethics for the betterment of the Innovation Academy and the University of Florida.

Nomination Process

Students will be nominated by IA faculty and staff. IA Director will review all applications and determine final winner.

This award will be presented to a student who has continually demonstrated the qualities and personal attributes reflective of a promising student leader through their dedication to the ideals, ethics, and principles of innovation in their chosen profession, for the betterment of present and future students of the UF Innovation Academy.

Nomination Process

Students will nominate themselves or other graduating students by completing an online application that will be submitted to the IA professional team for selection. Students will be selected based on their contributions to leadership throughout the UF community (local community, the campus community, IA community).

Applications Dates vary for Spring & Summer Summits - details will be announced via graduation emails and the application will open below.

Selection Criteria

• The applicant must be a graduate of the Innovation Minor.
• The applicant must demonstrate the leadership qualities and personal attributes of a promising student and young professional leader.
• ​The applicant must have shown outstanding promise for continuing service in his or her community, to the University of Florida and/or Innovation Academy and leadership in their chosen profession. Specific examples of continuing activities/future goals are recommended.

Application Information

Please fill out and submit the application on this website. Applications must be submitted by the deadline.

The Emerging Leader Award selection committee will review nominations and make a final decision on who will receive the awards. Each nominee shall be considered individually and confidentially and will be judged according to the criteria listed above. The award will be presented at the Spring and Summer Summit Ceremonies, but there is no requirement that the award be given at each ceremony.

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This award is presented to a graduating student who embodies Innovation-in-Action in all they do! They engage with the innovation and entrepreneurial community in and outside of UF. They are not afraid to take risks, be disruptive or fail. They utilize design thinking to create novel & innovative solutions, products, or services. They may have started a business, designed a new product, attended national or statewide innovation conferences, and continually networked with like-minded innovators.

Nomination Process

Students will be nominated by IA faculty and staff or a fellow student. IA faculty and staff will review all applications and determine final winner.

To nominate a fellow student or self-nominate, please email your nomination to iacademy@ufl.edu by the deadline.