Learn how to nominate yourself or a colleague for recognition by one of Public Interest’s committees and programs.

Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest

 

Committee on Aging

  • Award for the Advancement of Psychology and Aging
    This award for outstanding achievement is presented annually to recognize psychologists and friends of psychology who have made significant contributions to the mission of the Committee on Aging (CONA). The award is presented at the APA Annual Convention.

Committee on Disability Issues in Psychology

Committee on Ethnic Minority Affairs

  • Jeffrey S. Tanaka Memorial Dissertation Award in Psychology
    The APA Committee on Ethnic Minority Affairs (CEMA) continues to strive for increased research that will promote a better understanding of the complex issues facing communities of color (i.e., African Americans/Blacks, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, American Indians/Alaskan Natives, Hispanics/Latino(a)s). To this end, CEMA sponsors an award for the most outstanding dissertation in psychology which addresses concerns relevant to populations of color.

Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity

Committee on Socioeconomic Status

  • Distinguished Leaders Award
    This award area is for psychologists who have more than 15 years beyond their terminating degree achievement, a longstanding influence on SES-related issues, and are recognized leaders in their area of expertise.

  • Emerging Leaders Award
    These awards for leaders will rotate between a practitioner/community engagement focus (even years) and a research focus (odd number years) to foster inclusivity and recognize the diverse scope of student work which addresses SES.

  • Student Award
    These student awards will rotate between a practitioner/community engagement focus (even years) and a research focus (odd number years) to foster inclusivity and recognize the diverse scope of student work which addresses SES.

  • Organizational Award
    Organizations who contribute in the well-being of the socioeconomically disadvantaged, therefore making tremendous strides in reducing socioeconomic related disparities in and around their communities.

Committee on Women in Psychology

  • Committee on Women in Psychology Leadership Awards
    The APA Committee on Women in Psychology (CWP) invites nominations for its annual Leadership Awards. These awards demonstrate CWP’s commitment to ensuring that women receive equity both within psychology and as consumers of psychological services, and that issues pertaining to women are kept at the forefront of psychological research, education, training, and practice.

Committee on Children, Youth, and Families

Minority Fellowship Program

  • Melba J.T. Vasquez Early Career Award for Distinguished Contributions
    These awards recognize Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) alumni who have made exceptional contributions to racial and ethnic psychology in the areas of research, public service, teaching and training, or innovations in treatment. Five to 10 years of professional experience.

  • Dalmas A. Taylor Distinguished Contributions Award
    These awards recognize MFP alumni who have made exceptional contributions to racial and ethnic psychology in the areas of research, public service, teaching and training, or innovations in treatment. Requires 11 to 25 years of professional experience.

  • James M. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award
    These awards recognize MFP alumni who have made exceptional contributions to racial and ethnic psychology in the areas of research, public service, teaching and training, or innovations in treatment. More than 25 years of professional experience.

Last updated: May 2026Date created: October 2021