Programs + Events

Spotlight Awards

PTA unit & council Spotlight Awards recognize successful programs throughout California that are planned, organized and implemented by PTAs. This is your chance to show off the great things your PTA is doing! Your PTA must be in good standing to qualify.

Winners will receive a $100 California State PTA grant, a sign or banner to share the news with their community, and recognition at the California State PTA Convention. Select winners will also have an opportunity to share their strategies at a California PTA Convention workshop in Fresno May 1-3, 2026. Units and councils may apply.

The deadline to apply is January 16th at 11:59pm. Winners will be announced by March.
All applications must be submitted online. No paper packets will be accepted.

Categories

  1. Advocacy (unit or council)–Advocate on behalf of all children and families at the school or community level.
  2. Collaboration (unit or council)–Develop strong partnerships in order to connect individuals, enhance student learning, assist schools and families, and involve community stakeholders.
  3. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (unit or council)–Adopt programs that promote DEI with purposeful outreach and participation for all community stakeholders.
  4. Environmental (unit)–Promote conservation and environmental awareness on campus.
  5. Family Engagement (unit)–Promote student success with family engagement in students’ education.
  6. Membership and Outreach (unit)–Increase membership while raising awareness of PTA’s mission and the value of membership that involves all stakeholders.
  7. Student Achievement and/or Engagement (unit)–Implement programs to increase student achievement or increase student involvement and participation in PTA.
  8. Leadership Development (council)–We want to recognize councils that have implemented new and unique ways of boosting leadership capacity to ensure long-term sustainability of the council.

How are the applications scored?

  1. What program did you organize?- 20 points
  2. Why was this program implemented?- 15 points
  3. How was your program implemented?- 25 points
  4. How will you continue to promote and sustain your program’s objectives during the year?- 20 points
  5. What was the impact of your program on the school or council community?- 20 points

Apply Now

For further information please contact membership@capta.org.

2025 Spotlight Award Winners

Congratulations to the 2025 Spotlight Award winners! The State PTA Board of Managers chose these PTA units and councils throughout the state for their commitment, innovation, and best practice locally to serve and improve the lives of all children, youth, and families.

  • Advocacy Award – Redlands Special Education PTA, 5th District
  • Collaboration Award – Redondo Union High School PTSA, 33rd District
  • Communications Awards – Springbrook Elementary PTA, 4th District
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award – Ellwood P. Cubberley PTA, 33rd District
  • Family Engagement Award – Redlands Special Education PTA, 5th District
  • Leadership Development Award – Irvine Unified Council PTA, 4th District
  • Membership and Outreach – Gallatin Elementary PTA, 33 District
  • Programs for Student Achievement – Sinaloa Middle School PTA, 16th District
  • Student Involvement Award – Troy High School PTSA, 4th District

For detailed information just for PTA Leaders on this topic, visit the Leaders’ Website.
Leaders Website Login