Ark. Code Ann. § 6-42-104(h)(6) (as amended by Act 56 of the 1983 First Extraordinary Session), states that the Arkansas Advisory Council for the Education of Gifted and Talented Children shall: 

“(A) Select on an annual basis not more than three educational programs for gifted and talented students operated by local school districts for recognition as outstanding programs.   

(B) The programs so recognized shall be eligible to receive an award of not more than $3,000 from funds appropriated to the Arkansas Department of Education (now the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education) for the purpose of making awards to outstanding educational programs.” 

Applications for the 2025-2026 Act 56 Award for Outstanding Educational Programs for Gifted and Talented Students are now being accepted. Applications must be submitted on or before Monday, November 17, 2025. 

The Advisory Council utilizes this rating form when reviewing and selecting outstanding programs.

Districts that have won in the last 5 years are not eligible to apply.

Act 56 Awards for Outstanding Gifted Programs will be presented at the Arkansans for Gifted and Talented Education 2026 Conference during the Awards Luncheon on Thursday, February 12, 2026.