Each year, the National Student Employment Association coordinates the selection process and presents the National Student Employee of the Year award, recognizing the exceptional work of student employees across the country. Undergraduate student employees may be nominated in the following categories: Community Service, Social Impact and Belonging, Leadership, Technology & Innovation, and Critical Thinking. Graduate student employees may be nominated in the following categories: Social Impact & Belonging, Impact, Professionalism, Effective Communication & Interpersonal Skills, and Leadership.
At Cornell, the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment oversees the selection of a graduate and an undergraduate student employee who will be nominated for the national award. National winners will be announced during National Student Employment Week, and Cornell’s honorees will be featured in a spotlight on the student employment website.
Nominations for the 2026 Student Employee of the Year are open.
Nominate an Hourly Student Employee
Volunteers are invited to help read and score nominations from February 9 – February 12, 2026. The commitment is light—just 1–2 hours—but the impact is meaningful, as this work supports recognizing our student employees’ outstanding contributions. It’s a simple way to make a difference while engaging in an important selection process.