Edward M. Kennedy Institute Honors Nancy Pelosi with Lifetime Achievement Award

BOSTON, Sept. 17, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate will honor U.S. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi with its Edward M. Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award at the organization's Annual Dinner on November 8. Pelosi, the second recipient of this prestigious award, will be recognized for her leadership and service to the nation, which has inspired civil discourse and bipartisan solutions.

Pelosi, who served as the 52nd Speaker of the House of Representatives, made history in 2007 when she became the first woman to hold the position. She further cemented her legacy in January 2019 when she regained the Speakership, becoming the first person to do so in over six decades. Pelosi continues to represent San Francisco in Congress, a role she has held for 39 years.

The award, which honors leadership and service that inspire civil discourse and bipartisan solutions, is a testament to Pelosi's enduring impact on American politics. Pelosi has received numerous accolades for her lifetime of distinguished public service, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, and induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame. She has also been a driving force behind the House Democrats, leading the fight for policies that lower costs, grow paychecks, and create jobs.

Edward M. Kennedy Institute board co-chair, The Honorable Joseph P. Kennedy III, praised Pelosi, stating, "Speaker Pelosi is an inspiration for anyone who seeks to make their community, country, and planet a little better. Like her dear friend Senator Kennedy, she has created a legacy of leadership that mirrors his own commitment to civic service and our country."

Founded by the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the Institute is dedicated to educating the public about the unique role of the Senate in our government while actively inspiring all Americans to keep our democracy and civic life vibrant. The Institute's annual fundraising dinner supports its mission to create opportunities for the public to better understand our country's democratic processes and actively utilize skills used in civic participation and engagement. The event will also feature on-site visitor exhibits and year-round public events, complemented by robust civic education programs that reach over 20,000 educators and students annually.

In July, the Institute facilitated a Senate-style floor debate and vote for a national AI classroom policy, created by 100 student senators representing all 50 states, during the America's Youth AI Festival. This initiative underscores the Institute's commitment to fostering civic engagement and education among the next generation of leaders.

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, which was established in 2015, is home to the only full-scale replica of the United States Senate in the world. The Institute also offers experiential civic education programs that have served nearly 200,000 students nationally.