Nominations Now Being Accepted as Citadel Credit Union Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Heart of Learning Awards

Since its inception, the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards program has awarded more than half a million dollars in classroom grants.

As autumn settles across Greater Philadelphia, the season of gratitude extends beyond pumpkin patches and falling leaves and reaches into classrooms, where extraordinary educators are making lasting impact.

Citadel Credit Union is once again shining a spotlight on these difference-makers through the 25th annual Citadel Heart of Learning Awards, which honor teachers in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster, and Philadelphia counties whose compassion, creativity, and commitment inspire the next generation.

Launched in partnership with the Chester County Intermediate Unit, the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards program has grown steadily since its inception, has awarded more than half a million dollars in classroom grants, and has recognized hundreds of teachers whose impact extends far beyond test scores.

Nominations will be accepted until Jan. 15, 2026, and the winners will be announced in the spring.

The winners will receive a treasured glass heart award and a total of more than $100,000 in prizes, including $10,000 for each of the six grand-prize winners ($5,000 for the teacher and $5,000 for their school) and $1,000 for each of the other winners. In honor of the program’s 25th anniversary, Citadel will also award a $2,500 prize to three teachers with 25-plus years of experience.

Nominations are accepted online at Citadel Credit Union. To submit a video nomination, you can create a post on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook and tag @citadelcreditunion on TikTok or @CitadelBanking on Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag #CitadelHeartofLearning.