Teams that Makes a Difference - This is an awards program that identifies people who work to improve the education and well-being of young adolescents. An annual program now recognizes teams of any kind…teachers, administrators, parents, community members, or any combination of these individuals. Teams That Make a Difference focuses on outstanding teams that have created a program, activity, or strategy that focuses on student achievement or connects students with their communities.

Schools to Watch - The goal of Kentucky STW is not to create competition between Kentucky's middle schools, but to find schools to serve as models of academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and organizational structures that sustain dynamic improvement and reform.  The program is based on and follows the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform Schools to Watch.

Student Scholarships -In the spring of 2003 KMSA initiated a scholarship program for recognizing eighth grade students who demonstrate academic excellence, outstanding citizenship,, a commendable attitude, and leadership.  Students are nominated by their schools and submit a 250 word essay along with letters of recommendation.  Copies of students records supporting their academic achievement and citizenship are also part of the application.  Recipients selected y the KMSA regional directors received $100 savings bonds.