The following criteria will be used to evaluate entries: 

• needs identification 

  • This section asks questions focused on why and how this program/initiative developed.

• evidence that the practice was an appropriate response to the business/organization challenge, problem, or need 

• design approach 

  • This section seeks to understand the process used for determining the initiative’s design AND the framework or components. Questions about collaboration, integration, and alternative solutions seek to understand the analysis given to the initiative’s design. 

• By evidence we mean: data/metrics/description/examples, etc...

• evidence that the intervention was designed and implemented in a way that considered the best interests of the organization as well as those of employees 

• evidence of, and degree of alignment with, other talent development practices and organizational goals, to achieve desired outcomes 

• evidence of partnerships/stakeholders within and outside the organization (e.g., with senior management, frontline supervisors, external resources, etc.) 

• strong evaluation strategy, including what data is measured, why, and how frequently 

  • Evaluation strategies are critical to success. In this section, describe what you are measuring and why it matters to the organization.

• evidence of actual or anticipated organizational impact 

• evidence of actual or anticipated individual/team impact 

• organizational learning 

• eligibility. 

• Because initiatives focus on results, training suppliers and consultants should apply only in collaboration with their customer. The application must be written from the perspective of the customer organization. The customer organization would be recognized, not the supplier/partner, should the entry win. 

• Initiatives may range from a single, narrowly focused activity to a multifaceted, multidisciplinary initiative, so long as the results can be clearly linked to advancing the organization's goals. ATD staff will review all initial applications to ensure they are complete and may request additional information.  

• All complete applications will go through a blind review process conducted by a panel of industry experts. ATD reserves the right to dismiss applications that lack clarity or sufficient information or do not meet eligibilty. 

The entry form sections are weighted as such:  

• Business/Organization Needs Identification & Assessment – 20% of score 

• Design Approach – 20% of score 

• Evaluation Strategy – 20% of score 

• Results Section – 35% of score 

• Knowledge Sharing & Lessons Learned – 5% of score