PENDA LEARNING RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE EDUCATION AND AI INNOVATION WITH DUAL CODiE AWARD FINALIST HONORS
Recognition highlights Penda's leadership in science education and AI-powered learning support following its 2025 CODiE win and inclusion on TIME's America's Top EdTech Companies 2026 list.
Stuart,FL — June 22, 2026— Penda Learning, a 2025 CODiE Award winner and one of TIME's America's Top EdTech Companies 2026, today announced it has been named a finalist in two categories in the 2026 CODiE Awards:
• Best AI-Powered Tutoring Solution
• Best Science Instructional Solution
Now in its 40th year, the CODiE Awards are the technology industry's most established peer-reviewed recognition program. Finalists are selected through a rigorous evaluation process conducted by hundreds of independent industry experts, educators and subject matter specialists.
The dual finalist recognition highlights Penda Learning's commitment to helping students succeed in science through engaging, standards-based instruction and innovative technology. The Best AI-Powered Tutoring Solution nomination recognizes Cosmos, Penda's AI instructional assistant that provides students with on-demand, activity-specific guidance, coaching and feedback directly within the learning experience. The Best Science Instructional Solution finalist designation recognizes Penda's comprehensive science platform for intervention, remediation and whole class instruction, which combines phenomenon-based instruction, accessibility supports, assessment tools, reporting insights, and gamified learning experiences to improve student outcomes.
The announcement follows another major milestone for Penda Learning. Earlier this year, the company was named one of TIME's America's Top EdTech Companies 2026, earning the No. 14 ranking nationwide in Statista's evaluation of leading education technology companies. Notably, Penda Learning was the only curriculum-focused product and the only science-focused solution ranked among the top 15 companies, underscoring its unique position in the education technology landscape.
"This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects excellence in both innovation and instruction," said Bill Tudor, CEO of Penda Learning. "Being named a finalist in two CODiE Award categories affirms our commitment to helping students succeed in science while equipping educators with tools that are effective, engaging, and easy to implement. We’re honored to be recognized among the industry’s most innovative education technology companies and proud that our work continues to make a measurable difference for teachers and students nationwide. Strong science learning is essential to preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s opportunities, whether they pursue STEM careers or simply need the scientific literacy, problem-solving skills, and confidence to navigate a rapidly changing world.”
"Cosmos was developed to provide students with meaningful support at the exact moment they need it while preserving the learning process,” said Scott Wenger, Penda CTO. “This CODiE Award finalist recognition highlights the innovation behind Cosmos, and it reinforces our belief that the most effective AI in education is grounded in sound instructional practice.”
The recognition builds on a year of significant industry accolades for Penda Learning. In 2025, the company received a CODiE Award for Best Gamification in a Learning Tool, recognizing its unique approach to motivating student learning through purposeful game-based design.
"The 2026 CODiE finalists represent some of the most exciting innovation we've seen in the program's 40-year history. From AI-powered education tools to enterprise platforms driving real business transformation, these products don't just push boundaries — they solve real problems for the organizations, educators and users they serve," said Jennifer Baranowski, President, CODiE Awards.
The 2026 CODiE Award winners will be announced on July 15, 2026. To view the full list of finalists and learn more about the program, visit codieawards.com/finalists.
To learn more about Penda Learning, visit www.pendalearning.com.
About Penda Learning, A Learning 2020 Company
Award-winning Penda Learning is a leading provider of digital science instruction and intervention for grades 3–12. Trusted by schools and districts nationwide, Penda delivers engaging, activities and assessments handcrafted to NGSS and state standards that combine rigorous science content, purposeful gamification, automation, and actionable reporting to help all students succeed. Recognized as a 2025 CODiE Award winner and named to TIME's America's Top EdTech Companies 2026 list, Penda is committed to making science learning accessible, effective, and engaging for every learner.
About the CODiE Awards
The CODiE Awards are the technology industry's most established peer-reviewed recognition program. Since 1986, the CODiE Awards have recognized the companies and products transforming the way the world learns, works and communicates. The awards span five tracks covering startup technology, developer and AI tools, digital transformation platforms, education technology and industry-specific solutions. For more information, visit codieawards.com.
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