This year at the annual Summit for University Center Leaders, the Mercatus Center will recognize one university-based center for demonstrating significant mission-oriented achievement over the past year. The Mercatus award committee selected 4 finalists from the initial pool of nominations. The winner will be voted on during the event and will receive an award of $10,000 to continue their work.

The award committee considered the following criteria when selecting finalists:

  • The center's project or program has resulted in significant outcomes and achievements over the past year that have furthered the mission of the center. The project had a consequential effect on the target audience.

  • The center has a focused mission and vision.

  • The center’s target audience is clear.

  • The center demonstrates a commitment to liberal values.

  • The center demonstrates an efficient use of resources to achieve an outsized impact.

  • If relevant, the center has a plan to scale their project.


Voting will only be available to participants of the conference from 1pm on Monday, August 1st through 11am on Tuesday, August 2nd.