H-E-B is marking the 25th anniversary of its Excellence in Education Awards by offering more than $1 million in cash prizes to Texas educators and schools through the 2027 program.
Nominations are open through Sept. 30, 2026, and anyone may nominate a teacher, counselor, principal, school district, school board, or early childhood facility. Eligible nominees include state-certified public school educators currently teaching in Texas, as well as Texas early childhood education centers and schools. Eligibility does not depend on proximity to an H-E-B store.
The 2027 awards include increased prizes for educators and their schools. Rising Star winners, recognizing teachers with fewer than 10 years of experience, will each receive $10,000, with an additional $10,000 going to their schools. Leadership Award recipients, who have 10 to 20 years of experience, will each receive $15,000, plus $15,000 for their schools. Lifetime Achievement Award recipients with more than 20 years of experience will each receive $30,000, with another $30,000 awarded to their schools.
Additional awards will recognize counselors, principals, an early childhood facility, a school board, and small and large school districts. School grants range from $20,000 to $150,000.
Since the program began in 2002, H-E-B has awarded more than $15 million to Texas public school professionals and their schools. Nominees will be invited to apply for the awards before Nov. 1, although a nomination is not required to apply.
Finalists and winners will be selected by a panel of educators, administrators, and community leaders. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Austin in spring 2027. Nominations are available at www.HEBLovesTeachers.com/nominate.
