School Transportation News has opened registration for its fifth-annual Innovator of the Year award, which features a private school bus contractor employee who exemplifies the adoption of cutting-edge technology and programs.
The magazine partners with the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) to present the award. Readers may submit an online nomination through May 1 to recognize an individual who works for a school bus contractor company and meets the criteria.
Qualifications include making “significant, tangible contributions” to the school transportation industry within the past 12 months. Innovations could include technology implementation, operations, safety initiatives and green energy adoption.
“I believe that change begins with the ability to recognize an innovator when you meet one. It is vitally important to share the achievements of our leaders to help elevate our industry. School Transportation News is honored to share this story of innovation with the entire school transportation industry,” said Tony Corpin, publisher of STN magazine and president of STN Media Group.
Read about & hear podcasts with previous years’ winners:
July 2022: The Great Innovator
(STN Podcast E120) Onsite at STN EXPO Reno: Electric Innovator Pulls Back the Curtain
July 2023: There Is No ‘I’ in Team
(STN Podcast E170) Meet the Innovator of the Year: Maintaining a Fast-Growing Bus Fleet
July 2024: Driven by Students, Driven by Technology, Driven by Partnerships
(STN Podcast E217) From Submariner to Innovator of the Year: Fleet Electrification for Student Success
July 2025: ‘Here to Serve’ People With Technology
(STN Podcast E256) Empathy is a Core Principle: Bringing Funding, Tech & People Together for Student Service
This year’s winner will be announced on the front cover of the July edition of STN magazine. The award will be presented in-person at both STN EXPO West held July 9-15 in Reno, Nevada, and at the NSTA Summer Meeting held July 19-22 in Denver, Colorado.
“NSTA is proud and pleased to partner with School Transportation News in the promotion of the 2026 Innovator Award. With so many talented individuals in student transportation, we encourage school bus operators to nominate a worthy candidate, so we can honor them with this prestigious award this summer,” stated NSTA Executive Director Curt Macysyn.
“Receiving the Innovator of the Year recognition was a humbling moment that reinforced how much meaningful progress in student transportation comes from people willing to challenge the status quo,” said Gaurav Sharda, CTO of Beacon Mobility and the 2025 Innovator of the Year award winner. “The award represents more than innovation for its own sake. It honors work that improves safety, dignity, and daily experiences for students, families, and the professionals who serve them. I encourage peers across the industry to nominate individuals whose ideas and leadership are quietly making a lasting difference, because their impact deserves to be recognized and shared.”
Related: Start Your Green Fleet Innovation Strategy
Related: School Bus Contractors Compete in Driver Applicant Pool
Related: School District, Bus Contractor Partnerships Vital When Transporting Special Needs Students
