On this Day of Giving, we’re inviting our ACHE community to come together and invest in what matters most—opening doors, expanding opportunities, and empowering learners and leaders in continuing higher education.

Why Your Gift Matters

ACHE’s scholarships and grants directly support:

• Adult learners pursuing graduate education
• Emerging leaders advancing their careers
• Innovators developing research and programs that strengthen our field
• Members and students who need a financial boost to reach their goals

Your contribution, no matter the size, helps someone start a journey, continue a dream, or create work that impacts campuses and communities across the country.

Be the Bridge

This year’s theme reminds us that we all play a role in building bridges of empathy, empowerment, and innovation. A gift to ACHE’s scholarship and grant programs is one of the most tangible ways to live that mission.

How to Participate

• Donate today—early giving is open!
• Mark your calendar for December 2 and help us celebrate ACHE’s Day of Giving.
• Encourage colleagues, friends, and fellow members to join in.
• Share why you give using #ACHEGivesBack.

ONE LAST CHANCE! Your voice helps shape the future of ACHE. We're asking for just a few minutes of your time to complete our Post-Conference Survey. Share what you loved, what inspired you, and where we can continue to grow. Your feedback directly influences how we build the design the next conference in Norfolk.

For years, our ACHE community has come together virtually for the beloved Feel the Love tradition—and this year in Milwaukee, we elevated it with our first-ever in-person celebration at the 87th Annual ACHE Conference.

Now, we’re keeping that momentum going! Don’t miss the next virtual Feel the Love event on December 12. It’s your chance to reconnect, celebrate, and experience the warmth of our ACHE community, no travel required.

Nominations are open for individual and program awards. Winners will be recognized at the ACHE South Conference in Savannah, GA on February 16-18, 2026. The deadline for nominations is Friday, November 21, 2025.

Award categories:



• Joseph P. Goddard Scholarship Award:

ACHE South will present a scholarship of up to $1000 to an ACHE South member engaged in graduate studies on either a full-time or part-time basis. Applicant must be a full-time or part-time student currently enrolled or accepted for admission in an accredited graduate degree program. The course of study must be applicable to the advancement of continuing education as a profession. Applicants must be adult students (25 years of age or older).

• Wayne Whelan Research Grant:

ACHE South will award a grant of up to $1000 to an ACHE South member engaged in research that will advance knowledge in the field of adult and continuing education. It is expected that the research will culminate in a publication or professional presentation. The Wayne Whelan Research Grant recipient will be required to prepare an abstract of findings for presentation at the next scheduled Regional Conference. While the Wayne Whelan Research Grant may be used in conjunction with advanced study, the same person cannot receive more than one monetary award (Joseph P. Goddard Scholarship, Mini-Grant, or Wayne Whelan Research Grant) in the same year.

• Distinguished Program Award (Credit & Non-Credit):

ACHE South will recognize the outstanding credit and non-credit programs in ACHE South. Programs will be judged on innovation, creativity, success, impact, and adaptability. The goals, objectives, and evaluation methods will be reviewed.

• Continuing Education Leadership Award:

ACHE South recognizes an individual for outstanding service in the field of continuing higher education. Individuals nominated for this award should have made extraordinary contributions that are widely recognized regionally or nationally over an extended period of time, provided significant leadership in the cause of continuing education – credit or non-credit, be a member or past member of ACHE, be a member or past member of ACHE South, and performed various service functions within the regional organization. The person cannot be a current ACHE South officer.

• Mini Grants (ACHE members or graduate students):

The purpose of the ACHE South mini-grants is to support development, implementation, expansion, and research of programs or projects in adult, continuing education, and lifelong learning in the region. ACHE South members or graduate students with sponsorship from ACHE South members are eligible to apply. The same person cannot receive more than one monetary award (Joseph P. Goddard Scholarship, Mini-Grant, or Wayne Whelan Research Grant) in the same year.

• Outstanding Faculty Awards:

ACHE South recognizes outstanding faculty from ACHE South who models effective teaching behaviors, is systematic, motivates students, and cares about students.

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