The Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that are making significant, well-planned, well-executed, and well-documented progress toward comprehensive internationalization—especially those using innovative and creative approaches. There are two categories in which an institution can receive a Simon Award, Comprehensive and Spotlight.

The 2025 application cycle is closed and recipients will be announced in February 2025. Plan ahead - the next application cycle will launch in summer 2025.

Questions? Contact NAFSA through the Simon Award contact form. 

Award Categories

Comprehensive

The Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization recognizes overall excellence in internationalization efforts as evidenced in mission, strategies, programs, and results. 

This award is presented to no more than five institutions in a selection cycle. 

Spotlight

The Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award is intended to highlight specific individual programs and services that are judged to be outstanding and innovative. 

This award is presented to no more than three institutions in a selection cycle.

Benefits and Recognition

2024 Winning Institutions

Comprehensive Award

Four institutions received the NAFSA Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization in 2024:

  • Alamo Colleges District
  • Auburn University
  • Prairie View A&M University
  • University of California Santa Cruz

Spotlight Award

Three institutions received the NAFSA Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award in 2024:

  • Oklahoma State University for its Afghan Family Project
  • Syracuse University for its International Student Success Model
  • Worcester Polytechnic Institute for its Global Projects for All initiative

Past Award Winners

Discover the institutions with innovative international programs.

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Application Process

Find out how to apply for the next Simon Award.

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Selection Committees

Learn more about the committee of peers responsible for selecting Simon Award recipients.

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Profiles of Success

Review NAFSA’s digital Internationalizing the Campus.

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About Senator Paul Simon

Learn more about the late senator. 

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