Time to Vote for Best in Class

Posted April 13, 2026, 2:05 PM. Updated April 13, 2026, 5:30 PM.

The innovative APS program garnering the most votes will receive a $15,000 grant to expand.

Voting is now underway to determine which of three innovative APS programs will be crowned Best in Class at this year’s Gold Bar event on April 24.

The winner will receive the $15,000 grand prize from the APS Education Foundation to expand its work. Voting will take place from April 13 through April 23.

The three programs vying for top status are:

Albuquerque High School’s Jewelry Uplift program, which supports identity-driven learning, inquiry, social-emotional growth, and meaningful connections to school and community.
Highland High School’s Culinary Arts Program, which integrates culinary arts, hospitality management, entrepreneurship and leadership development.
And Transition Services’ Outcomes Coffee Shop, which provides students with special needs meaningful, hands-on vocational experience through authentic, on-the-job learning in a real workplace setting.

The winner will be announced at Gold Bar on April 24 at Sandia Resort and Casino. The second-place winner will receive $10,000, and the third-place winner will earn a $5,000 grant.

To cast your vote, click here.

Best In Class nominees are chosen by the APS Board of Directors Disbursement Committee based on their program's impact and growth since receiving Foundation funding. The Committee considers programs that have the ability to grow further to widen and deepen their impact with Best In Class funding.