About the Pete Taylor Partnership of Excellence Award
The Pete Taylor Partnership of Excellence Award recognizes successful partnerships and projects that ultimately benefit military-connected children. The Military Child Education Coalition presents well-deserved awards and recognition to outstanding schools, installations, and individual program achievements at the annual MCEC Global Training Summit.
Celebrate your partnership
The application window for the 2025 Partnership Awards is now open. Entries must be received by May 1st. Share your partnership and we may be celebrating with you this July in Washington, DC!

The K-12 award may represent a single project in which a military installation and one or more school districts participated, or it may be a summation of the entire program between a military installation and the school districts serving an installation.
Retiring from the Army after more than 33 years of service, LTG Taylor became known as a leader in education for both service members and their children. He played a critical role in creating a dialogue and coalition between military installations and the school districts that serve them.
Beginning in 2004, the Lt. Gen. H. G. “Pete” Taylor Partnership of Excellence awards have been an opportunity to recognize individual and community partnerships formed between military installations and school districts. Winners reflect Lt. Gen. Taylor’s belief that “goodness starts at the local level.”
LTG Taylor passed away on Monday, November 4, at the age of 86. At MCEC and throughout the community, past and present, we mourn the loss of a great leader, but remain guided by his wisdom, commitment, and compassion.
- OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP: Bay Area Education Alliance – Florida • HIGHLIGHTS: Over 55 military-affiliated mentors contributed 2,500+ volunteer hours, recognized with 18 Purple Star Schools Awards, and engaged 300+ students with Military Honor Cords. Events like STEMFEST and Military Showcase highlight STEM career paths within the military.
- EXEMPLARY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP: Military-Connected Youth Process Action Team – Virginia • HIGHLIGHTS: Regular meetings identify needs and strategies, ensuring positive experiences for military-connected youth.
- RECOGNIZED COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP: Count on Me – Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas • HIGHLIGHTS: Initiatives like Read Across America and Family STEM Night, establishment of Free Little Libraries, and support for children facing health challenges.
- OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM/PROJECT: PreApprenticeship: Operation Future Force (OFF) – Alaska • HIGHLIGHTS: Career exploration in various Air Force specialties, with over 140 military squadron commanders mentoring high school students.
- EXEMPLARY INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM/PROJECT: Semper Instructis – Florida • HIGHLIGHTS: STEM-based Problem-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum supporting social-emotional needs, mentorship by service members, and activities improving mental wellness