Sage's 2026 Critical Thinking Challenge is an initiative that spotlights creative, practical approaches to strengthening critical thinking in higher education. We invite professors, researchers, and academic librarians to submit their ideas to drive meaningful change in classrooms, academic libraries, and learning communities everywhere. 

• What creative approach would you propose to make critical thinking an everyday habit in education? 
• What’s missing in the way critical thinking is taught, and what could be done differently? 
• If you could change one thing about how critical thinking is taught, what would it be, and how would it work? 
• What is the library’s role in promoting information literacy and critical thinking? 

• the challenge you’re addressing 
• your proposed solution 
• the practical impact for learners, educators, or library communities

• 1st place: $2,000  
• 2nd and 3rd place: $500 each 

• Research materials, datasets, books, or software 
• Costs associated with designing, piloting, or assessing educational or information‑literacy initiatives 
• Library programming, resource development, or instructional support 
• Student or graduate‑assistant support tied directly to the project 
• Professional development or training that directly advances the proposed work 

Funds may not be used for personal compensation, unrelated travel, or non‑project purchases. 

• Submission deadline: March 6th, 2026 
• Notification date: March 23rd, 2026 

• Publication timeline: April 1st – April 30th, 2026

Please include: 

• Your name and institution 
• Your role (professor, researcher, librarian, etc.) 
• Your 750‑word blog post (attached or pasted into the email)

• Analysis: Clear articulation of the problem, depth of understanding, and effective use of evidence such as data, examples, or real‑life situations. 
• Idea: Creativity and innovation of the proposed solution, feasibility and practicality, expected impact (who benefits and how), and attention to ethics and inclusivity.  
• Communication: Strength of the argument, logical coherence, persuasiveness, clarity, and organization.