• Serves as the program director of the CAHME accredited program
• Program holds current CAHME accreditation
• Has served in the role for at least one (1) year prior to the application deadline (will need to provide the date in which you began as Program Director at your university)
• Program director has successfully demonstrated that they led and implemented a CQI process with the CAHME PIC tool
• Has played a substantial leadership role in the improvement initiative submitted.
• Program is in good standing, meaning, not on probation and has no outstanding financial obligations to CAHME
• Most recent site visit does not have any unresolved “not mets” or “critical concerns”

1. Completed Program Improvement Cycle (PIC) Tool.
2. Narrative responses submitted through the online application (survey). Do not repeat information already documented in the PIC Tool unless additional context is necessary to explain your leadership, decision-making, or the broader significance of the initiative
3. Limited supporting documentation, if it adds relevant information, should be included.

• The narrative will be complementary, not duplicating the information contained in the PIC Tool.
• The narrative should explain the leadership, decision-making, organizational context, and broader significance of the initiative.
• Instructions for Completing the Narrative:
• Please answer each question in the online application.
• Use concise, evidence-informed responses.
• Refer to the PIC Tool where appropriate, but do not repeat data tables, measures, timelines, or action plans already documented there.
• Max response length: 200 words per question.

1. Strategic Importance of the Initiative: Describe why this improvement initiative was selected and why it was strategically important to your program.
2. Your Leadership of the Initiative: Describe your personal leadership throughout the initiative.
3. What Made this Initiative Exceptional? Describe what distinguishes this initiative from routine continuous quality improvement activities.
4. Lasting Organizational Impact: Describe the broader organizational impact beyond the measurable outcomes reported in the PIC Tool.

Award Includes

• Receive a Baldrige Medallion and certificate recognizing their achievement. 
• Present their Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiative using the CAHME Process Improvement Cycle (PIC) tool during CAHME Bootcamp (June 2027).
• Receive one complimentary registration for a Baldrige Professional Development program, including LEAN certification opportunities.
• Recognition on CAHME’s website and social media