Step 1: Nominate an Individual

Who Can Apply

Anyone may nominate a qualified individual for this award. The Awards Committee encourages nominations and applications from a diverse range of candidates, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous and Native American, Latinx, Asian, LGBTQIA+, and individuals with disabilities and diverse gender identities. We also welcome nominations representing varied geographical areas, program sizes, and cultural backgrounds.

You may also nominate yourself! If you meet the eligibility criteria, this is a wonderful opportunity to highlight your outstanding work and contributions as a child life specialist.

Nominator/Applicant Role

The nominator/applicant is considered the primary endorser and is responsible for gathering and submitting all required materials as part of the award application.

Nominator/Applicant Responsibilities

• Submit the completed Mary Barkey Award (MBA) Application.
• Identify two endorsers and ensure each completes the MBA Endorsement Form.
• Serve as the author (or co-author) of the article honoring the recipient to be featured in the ACLP Bulletin (Summer Issue).
• (Optional) Create a short video tribute to honor the recipient, which will be shown during the closing session of the ACLP Child Life Annual Conference.

Step 2: Complete the Application

Application Materials

To complete the application, please include the following:

• A brief summary (included within the application form).
• Endorsement Form - from two separate individuals. Both endorsers must be ACLP members in good standing.
• A current resume/CV.
• One letter of support from a current or past employer, department head, or hospital administrator.

Additional Resources

Before completing your application, we recommend reviewing the Submission Tip Sheet for helpful guidance on preparing your materials and completing the endorsement forms.

Step 3: ACLP Awards Committee Selects Winner

Following the final submission deadline, the ACLP Awards Committee will review all completed applications and suggest a recipient to the ACLP Board of Directors.

All nominees and the Primary Nominator will be notified of the final decision by the end of the year.