Seeking nominations: MLK Leadership Awards
To the members of the MIT community,
Every year since 1974, MIT has honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and celebrated his extraordinary contributions to society with a community gathering.
The Institute’s next annual MLK celebration will take place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, drawing its theme from a speech Dr. King delivered in Washington, DC, in February 1968. As he said then, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
As we look forward to the celebration, I encourage you to nominate a member of the MIT community to receive a 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award.
This award honors members of our community who, in the spirit of Dr. King, lift us up, restore our hope and bring us together – whether they are students, alumni, staff or faculty, pursuing their goals as individuals or in groups.
Please use this form to submit your nomination on or before Monday, December 1, 2025.
Sincerely,
Sally Kornbluth
President
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Awards
The award is given annually to students, alumni, staff and faculty whose service embodies the spirit of Dr. King’s work.
Who is eligible?
MIT undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, staff and faculty are eligible for nomination for this award. Both individuals and groups, including living groups and student and professional associations, may be considered.
Service to the community is defined in the broadest sense and includes academic, research, religious and secular contributions in which integrity, leadership, creativity and positive outcomes are apparent.
How do I submit a nomination?
If you wish to propose a person or organization for a Leadership Award, please use this form to submit your nomination on or before Monday, December 1, 2025. Members of the MLK Celebration Committee will select the awardees.
When will the winners be announced?
Recipients will be announced at MIT’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
For more information
Please visit the MLK Leadership Awards website or write to mitmlkcelebration@mit.edu.