Princeton Prize in Race Relations

The Princeton Prize in Race Relations has honored more than 2,000 high school students who have worked to advance racial equity in their communities. We have listened, learned, and continue to learn, so much from the efforts of these young leaders as they advocate for and amplify the voices and lives of those who have been marginalized for far too long. They give us hope and are a reminder that each of us has the power to make a difference through important conversations, advocacy, and allyship.

The program is sponsored by Princeton University and principally undertaken by its alumni. The mission of the Princeton Prize is:

"To identify and recognize high-school-age students who significantly engage and challenge their schools or communities to advance racial equity in order to promote respect and understanding among all people."

Racial conflict is perhaps the most critical domestic issue this country faces. By recognizing, rewarding and reinforcing the good work of high school students who are making a difference, the Princeton Prize hopes to promote better race relations now and provide an impetus for other young people to work towards racial understanding in the future — an activity truly "in the nation's service and the service of humanity."

Applications are evaluated on each of the three following criteria. The work you have done toward racial equity and understanding is much more important than the quality of your writing.
1. The significance of your activity and how it advances racial equity, understanding and mutual respect among members of your school or community.
2. Your role in the activity.
3. The scope and impact of your activity on your school or community.

There are two parts of the application — one for you and one for your sponsor. Your sponsor must be a teacher, advisor, community or religious leader, or other responsible adult, who is not related to you, and who oversaw your project or who has directly witnessed your project's outcome.

To find out how to apply, click here.