CUSD Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley Wins Prestigious 2026 McGraw Prize
National honor recognizes Dr. Brawley’s leadership and CUSD’s transformation
Compton Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley has been named the 2026 recipient of the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education for Pre-K–12 Education, one of the field’s most prestigious honors.
Presented by the McGraw Center for Educational Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE), the McGraw Prize recognizes visionary education leaders whose work advances learning, expands opportunity, transforms lives and inspires lasting change.
Dr. Brawley was selected for leading what the McGraw Center described as “one of the nation’s most notable examples of sustained district improvement.”
Since becoming Superintendent in 2012, Dr. Brawley has overseen a dramatic transformation in student achievement and opportunity across Compton Unified. The District’s graduation rate has risen from 58% to approximately 95%, while college acceptance rates have surpassed 95%.
The McGraw Prize also highlighted Dr. Brawley’s work to strengthen classroom instruction, expand college and career pathways, and develop innovative industry and community partnerships that connect CUSD scholars with opportunities beyond the classroom.
Under his leadership, Compton Unified has built a strong college-going culture while expanding Early College, dual enrollment, career technical education, STEM and other programs designed to prepare scholars for success after graduation. The District has also continued to invest in modern learning environments and partnerships that provide scholars with greater access to educational and career opportunities.
The McGraw Prize has recognized education changemakers for more than four decades. Award recipients are nominated through a public process and selected through three rounds of judging, culminating with an independent panel of education leaders. Dr. Brawley will receive the award at a ceremony on November 10, 2026, in New York City.
The recognition adds to a growing list of national and statewide honors for Compton Unified and reflects more than a decade of sustained work to improve academic outcomes, expand opportunities and put scholars first.
Under Dr. Brawley’s leadership, CUSD continues to demonstrate what is possible when high expectations, strong instruction, innovative opportunities and a long-term commitment to scholar success come together.
