The David K. Brooks, Jr. Distinguished Mentor Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated an enthusiasm and support for the unique educational experience of mentoring that David Brooks both enjoyed and created through his own career and friendships.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
This award was created by the American Counseling Association Foundation and first presented in 1999 to honor David K. Brooks, Jr., a beloved colleague, teacher and friend to many in counseling.
Mentoring was an integral facet of David’s professional life and his personal philosophy. He believed that he had advanced in his career as a result of wise and caring mentors, and so, as an educator, he actively reached out to help others in their professional work.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Monday, November 3, 2025, 11:59pm ET
AWARD NOTIFICATION
Week of January 12, 2026
JUDGES
ACA Awards Committee
PRIZE
- $500 honorarium
- Complimentary registration for the 2026 ACA Conference and Expo (April 9-11, 2026, Columbus, Ohio) and recognition during the event. Winners will receive further information at the time of award notification.
Other Awards
ELIGIBILITY, RULES AND CRITERIA
The American Counseling Association Foundation is especially interested in recognizing individuals who exemplify the broadest definition of mentoring. Examples can include sharing expertise with new members of the profession and providing academic, professional, personal or organizational support. The Foundation is emphatic in the desire to honor people representing the wide and rich diversity of the ACA membership.
The award should recognize someone who has:
- A demonstrated record of supporting and strengthening the counseling profession;
- A demonstrated record as a role model and mentor; and
- An established history of professional excellence whereby the individual has freely given of himself or herself to help others within our profession.
- Nominations must come from an ACA member. Self-nominations are accepted.
- The awardee must be an ACA member.
- An individual can only be nominated for one award per year.
NOMINATION GUIDELINES
The total submission package for this award cannot exceed 16 pages in length. All nomination materials must be combined into one document (all formats accepted), with the nomination letter first.
Letter of Recommendation: In the letter, identify the nominee and the specific award. Explain why you believe the nominee should receive the award by responding to the specific criteria outlined in the nomination criteria. Keep in mind that the award reviewers are relying on the information you provide to choose the most deserving recipient for the award. Please address each nomination guideline and make sure your nominee meets the award criteria and requirements. Brevity, clarity and specificity are most important here.
In your nomination letter, briefly:
- Describe the nominee's experience(s) in support of the counseling profession.
- Describe how mentoring has played a significant role in the nominee's career and personal philosophy.
Supporting materials: Include a nominee biography and at lease one letter of recommendation in support of the nomination from others familiar with the nominee and her or his accomplishments. If there are additional materials (news reports, journal articles, etc.) that you feel help support the nominee’s achievements, please include a copy of them. You may also include a copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae (CV) or resume of no more than four pages, highlighting the nominee’s relevant accomplishments. Keep in mind that the total submission cannot exceed 16 pages in length.
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