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The Princeton Prize in Race Relations

In order to recognize, support, and encourage the young people of our country who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the cause of positive race relations, Princeton University annually sponsors an annual awards program for high school students—the Princeton Prize in Race Relations. Applications postmarked by January 31 will be eligible for prizes—including cash awards up to $1,000 for particularly noteworthy work.

  • If you are a high school student involved in an activity that is helping to improve race relations in your school or community, we want to hear from you.
  • If you know of a high school student who is helping to improve race relations, please encourage him or her to apply.

Princeton and its alumni recognize that the issue of race relations continues to be one of the most urgent and important challenges facing our country. The Princeton Prize in Race Relations was created to identify and commend young people who are working to increase understanding and mutual respect among all races. Through this effort, we hope to inspire others to join in these or similar efforts, and to undertake initiatives of their own.

Princeton is strongly committed to advancing the cause of race relations on its campus. Among other efforts, in recent years Princeton has increased the diversity of its faculty, staff, and student body; launched the Center for African American Studies to serve as a model for teaching and research on race in America; adopted the most progressive undergraduate financial aid program in the country; dedicated the Carl A. Fields Center for Equality and Cultural Understanding; and launched a program of “sustained dialogue” on the subject of race relations among students, faculty, and staff. With the Princeton Prize, the University intends to reach beyond its own campus to recognize the efforts of America’s next generation of leaders.

This brochure describes activities that have been recognized by the Princeton Prize. We are certain that there are many others and we want to hear about them. This brochure also attempts to answer questions you may have regarding the program. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.

NOTE: During the 2009–10 school year, the Princeton Prize awards program will be available to students attending school in the greater Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Nashville, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Princeton, Rochester, St. Louis, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas, Seattle/Western Washington State, Northern New Jersey and the state of Connecticut.