San Rafael, CA (June 24, 2026)
The Buck Institute for Education (dba PBLWorks), a national provider of professional development and curriculum for high-quality Project Based Learning (PBL), has announced the recipients of its 2026 PBL Champions Awards and John Larmer “JL” Lifelong Learning Awards. The recipients were honored during the organization’s 15th anniversary PBL World conference, which took place June 15–18, 2026, in the Napa Valley region of California.
Each year, educators, instructional coaches, and administrators from around the world gather at PBL World to learn, connect, and explore how PBL can transform K–12 education. This year's milestone conference centered on curiosity, exploring how deep inquiry and engagement can transform lives and change the world.
The 2026 PBL Champions
The PBL Champions program recognizes individuals, schools, and school districts that have demonstrated a commitment to PBL; have done quality, lasting work; and have shown evidence of deep impact on students. This year included the inaugural International PBL Champion award, recognizing the far-reaching impact that PBL is having on educators and students.
The 2026 recipients are:
International PBL Champion: Millennia World School in Banten, Indonesia
Millennia is distinguished by its deep-rooted commitment to authentic, student-driven learning. Their projects and recurring community exhibitions showcase genuine investment, rigorous research, and design solutions addressed to real-world audiences. Their systemic dedication to the framework has successfully transformed students into active change-makers on a global scale.
District PBL Champion: Syracuse City School District in Syracuse, New York
Syracuse City School District has emerged as a model for its relentless commitment to systemic instructional reform. In the face of immense complexity and turnover, district leadership stayed the course and engineered a masterful, three-pronged strategy that built the capacity of teachers and leaders across the district—proving what is possible when a school system prioritizes equitable, high-quality learning for every single student.
School PBL Champion: University Prep Science & Math High School in Detroit, Michigan
At UPrep Science and Math, PBL is the very heartbeat of teaching and learning. The school was honored for its visionary leadership and structural intentionality, which successfully built a mission-driven, "wall-to-wall" PBL hub that powerfully inspires all scholars to see themselves as the true change agents of Detroit.
Individual PBL Champion: Beth Hert, Founding Principal of Corona Arts and Sciences in Queens, New York
Beth Hert has demonstrated visionary leadership by engineering school-wide structures like “CASA Community Wednesdays” to break down subject silos and expand equitable access to PBL. Her generative approach empowers teacher-leaders and leverages community partnerships, successfully shifting the educational experience from passive consumption to high-quality, real-world learning.
The John Larmer “JL” Lifelong Learning Award
The John Larmer “JL” Lifelong Learning Award, named after PBLWorks’ Senior Fellow John “JL” Larmer, recognizes educators who are impacting and expanding the work of PBL. A significant advocate and thought leader in the field, JL has dedicated decades to advancing high-quality PBL and is the author of several foundational books that have shaped how educators design and facilitate high-quality PBL.
This award celebrates those who carry forward that legacy with passion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to deeper learning.
The 2026 recipients are:
Maria Cubero, Spanish Teacher at Alamo Heights High School, Alamo Heights Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas
Brian Peck, Spanish Teacher at University Prep Academy High School in Detroit, Michigan
Celebrating 15 Years of Impact
In addition to celebrating this year's award winners, the 15th anniversary conference delivered an immersive, hands-on experience for attendees. Highlights of the event included an inspiring keynote address by renowned author Scott Shigeoka (Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World), who guided educators through the role curiosity plays in creating connected, inclusive learning environments. Attendees also experienced a powerful student panel sharing firsthand accounts of how PBL has shaped their voices, alongside collaborative learning sessions led by the PBLWorks National Faculty. “Fifteen years ago, we set out to create a space where educators could experience the transformative power of Project Based Learning,” said Bob Lenz, PBLWorks CEO. “Honoring our 2026 Champions reflects our belief that wonder and equity belong at the center of meaningful learning. Our awards program shines a spotlight on the outstanding work, passion, and accomplishments of schools, districts, and individuals worldwide. Congratulations to this year's exceptional recipients!”
About PBLWorks
The Buck Institute for Education/PBLWorks believes that all students, especially Black and Brown students, should have access to high-quality Project Based Learning to deepen their learning and achieve success in college, career, and life. Its focus is on building the capacity of teachers to design and facilitate high-quality Project Based Learning, and on supporting school and system leaders in creating the conditions for these teachers to succeed with all students.
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