Applications now open
As part of our 30th anniversary, MediaSmarts is proud to launch the inaugural Digital Media Literacy Awards, celebrating the people who are shaping a safer, more informed and inclusive media landscape across Canada.
We’re looking for a youth and an educator who have made outstanding contributions to digital media literacy in Canada. Do you know a young person who’s launched a podcast, led online activism or created media that makes a difference? Or an educator who inspires critical thinking through creative, engaging projects? Nominate them using the forms below—or nominate yourself. Submissions can be made in English or French.
Winners will be recognized during Media Literacy Week (October 26–30, 2026), with the opportunity to take part in a special event to celebrate MediaSmarts’ 30th anniversary in Ottawa on October 28, 2026.
Deadline to apply: June 17, 2026
Award Categories
Youth Leader Award
(ages 13–18)
This award celebrates a young person in Canada who puts digital media literacy into action—whether in their classroom, community, online spaces or through independent initiatives. From tackling misinformation to promoting digital well-being or creating original media, recipients demonstrate leadership, creativity and a strong sense of responsibility, highlighting the powerful role young people play in shaping a safer, more informed and inclusive media landscape across all forms of media.
Educator of the Year
Award (K–12)
This award honours a K-12 educator in Canada whose extraordinary commitment to digital media literacy inspires students and others to engage with media thoughtfully, responsibly and creatively.
Through innovation, leadership and dedication, this educator empowers students to navigate the today’s media environment – including the digital landscape – safely, inclusively and confidently, embodying the values MediaSmarts has championed for three decades.
Who Can Apply
- Individuals can self-nominate or be nominated by someone else for either award
- Youth applicants must be 13–18 years old
- Educator applicants must be working in a K–12 setting in Canada (i.e. a teacher, Early Childhood Educator, teacher-librarian or pedagogical support personnel)
How it Works
Nominators (or self-nominators) fill out a short online form for either the Youth Leader Award or the Educator of the Year Award.
Depending on the award category, you’ll be asked to:
- Describe your/their work, impact or leadership
- Submit a nomination statement (written or video)
- Include optional supporting materials (e.g., projects, media, lesson plans)
All nominations are reviewed by MediaSmarts, with a shortlist of finalists selected by an adjudication committee. Final recipients are then chosen based on recommendations from a panel of industry leaders.
Apply now / Submit a nomination for the Youth Leader Award
Apply now / Submit a nomination for the Educator of the Year Award
Why Apply
These awards celebrate the important role that young people and educators play in shaping digital media literacy across Canada.
If you or someone you know is leading change in your community or inspiring others to think critically about media, we want to hear your story. Winners will be recognized at an event in Ottawa alongside MediaSmarts supporters, industry leaders and community partners in October 2026.
Key Dates
- Deadline: June 15, 2026
- Winners announced: Fall 2026
- Awards event: October 28, 2026 (Ottawa)
For more information, please contact [email protected]