At EverDriven, we believe student transportation is about more than getting from point A to point B—it’s about access, equity, safety, and dignity. That’s why we’re proud to launch the 2025 Modern Student Transportation Awards, a first-of-its-kind program recognizing the school district leaders who are reimagining how students get to school.
Presented by EverDriven, the nation’s leader in Alternative Student Transportation, this new annual awards program shines a spotlight on those using technology, compassion, and fresh thinking to break down barriers to education and build systems that work better for all students.
“Modernizing student transportation isn’t just about safety—it’s about expanding access to education for every child, every day. We’re launching these awards to celebrate the bold thinking and innovation happening in school districts across the country. These leaders deserve recognition for creating systems that work better for all students.” — Mitch Bowling, CEO, EverDriven
Four Categories. Limitless Impact.
We’re honoring innovation and leadership across four distinct categories:
- Safety & Reliability Award: Recognizing standout practices that enhance the safety and consistency of student transportation.
- Equity in Education Accessibility Award: Honoring scalable and inclusive transportation solutions for underserved or high-needs student populations.
- Top Innovator Award: Celebrating the most impactful use of modern, AI-enabled technology in school transportation.
- Humanitarian Award: Highlighting extraordinary examples of care and compassion in getting students to school safely and consistently
How It Works
Nominations are open now through August 28, 2025 and can be submitted by:
- School district leaders and staff (self-nomination)
- Community members
- Peers or education partners
Nominees may submit for more than one category—but each requires a separate submission.
All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of expert judges from across the education and student transportation industries. Finalists will be notified in early fall, and winners will be announced November 6, 2025 at an awards ceremony in Dallas.
What Winners Receive
Each category winner will receive:
- $2,500 collegiate scholarship to support students who qualify under the McKinney-Vento Act or special education services
- A full conference pass with paid travel to attend the 2025 TSD Conference (November 6–11, 2025)
- A customized plaque and digital award seal for use across district materials and social media
- Recognition from local/national media and EverDriven celebrating their accomplishments in student transportation
Join Us in Celebrating What’s Possible
Student transportation is evolving—and these awards are about celebrating the districts and leaders shaping that future with bold ideas and a deep commitment to students.
If you know a school district leader making a real difference, now’s the time to recognize them. Nominate a district leader today and help us tell their story.
Because when we celebrate what’s working, we inspire more of it.
Courtney Pallotta is an energetic, customer-driven marketing executive with more than 20 years of experience leading go-to-market strategy, branding, product marketing, demand generation, and customer advocacy for startup and growth-stage companies. As CMO at EverDriven, she leads the GTM team in delivering modern, student-centered transportation solutions that meet every student’s unique needs.
Courtney has built and scaled marketing functions across some of the most dynamic enterprise technology categories, from data warehousing and analytics to cloud infrastructure, data privacy, and SaaS. She has taken companies from stealth through IPO, led acquisitions, launched open-source platforms, and consistently built marketing engines that drive pipeline and market position. Along the way, she has developed a deep belief that the best marketing is both simple and authentic, and that listening to customers is the foundation for great products and lasting communities.
Outside of EverDriven, Courtney serves as a Board Member at the Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship, where she mentors the next generation of business leaders.
