The Leavey Awards, funded by a permanent endowment from the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation, are based on the belief that “one of America's most fundamental strengths is its competitive private enterprise economic system….[and] seek to recognize educators who excel in teaching the concepts of individual opportunity and incentive in order to foster understanding and enthusiasm among young people for the value of free enterprise in a democracy.”

Winners receive $7,500. Jones and Kemp's award-winning entry, "Project ECHO," was one of 13 selected this year by an independent jury of economic, business and academic leaders.