H-E-B will award more than $1 million to Texas educators and their schools through the 2027 Excellence in Education Awards, roughly doubling the prize pool for the program’s 25th year. Nominations are open through Sept. 30.
The increase is substantial. The San Antonio-based grocer distributed $480,000 in cash and grants at the 2026 ceremony, and individual prize levels have risen across nearly every category for 2027.
Since the program began in 2002, H-E-B has awarded more than $15 million to Texas public school professionals.
“For 25 years, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards have celebrated Texas educators whose commitment reaches far beyond the classroom,” said Winell Herron, senior VP of public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs at H-E-B. “Their dedication to strengthening our communities and preparing the next generation of Texas leaders reflects the very best of public education. In this milestone year, H-E-B is proud to increase our investment in the people and institutions driving meaningful, long-term impact across Texas.”
2027 prize levels
Teacher awards are split between one elementary and one secondary winner in each experience tier:
- Rising Star (fewer than 10 years): $10,000 to the teacher, $10,000 to the school, up from $5,000 each;
- Leadership (10 to 20 years): $15,000 to the teacher, $15,000 to the school, up from $10,000 each; and
- Lifetime Achievement (more than 20 years): $30,000 to the teacher, $30,000 to the school, up from $25,000 each.
Other categories:
- Counselors (one elementary, one secondary): $15,000 each, plus $20,000 to the school;
- Principals (one elementary, one secondary): $15,000 each, plus $30,000 to the school;
- Early childhood facility: $50,000, double the prior award;
- School board: $50,000;
- Small school district: $75,000; and
- Large school district: $150,000.
Eligibility and timeline
All state-certified public school educators currently teaching in Texas are eligible, along with Texas early childhood education centers. H-E-B noted that eligibility does not depend on proximity to a store location, meaning educators in markets the retailer does not serve can still compete.
Nominated educators will receive an invitation to apply before Nov. 1. A nomination is not required to apply. Finalists and winners will be chosen by a panel of educators, administrators and community leaders from across the state.
Ten individual winners, six teachers, two counselors and two principals, will be announced alongside an early childhood facility, a school board and two school districts at a ceremony in Austin in spring 2027.
H-E-B operates more than 455 stores in Texas and Mexico with sales exceeding $50 billion, and employs more than 175,000 partners. The company says it donates more than $12 million annually to Texas education initiatives.