In this time of extreme racial polarization, isn't it critical to recognize and celebrate those high school students who help bridge the chasm? We do! The Princeton Prize in Race Relations grants cash awards of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Princeton University to attend the Princeton Prize Symposium on Race. Please help us find the student leaders who are working to improve race relations within their schools or communities. Our future depends on them!
What is the Princeton Prize in Race Relations?
Each year, Princeton University sponsors a high school awards program for students who are committed to advancing the cause of race relations within their schools or communities. Winners receive a prize of $1,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Princeton University to attend the Princeton Prize Symposium on Race.
Why recognize race relations leadership at the high school level?
One of the greatest challenges facing our country today is our need to foster/increase/improve understanding and cooperation among people of diverse racial backgrounds. We believe that high school students have a particularly important role to play in shaping the perspectives and conversations for an entire generation, and for making immediate, lasting, positive changes within their communities.
Who should apply for the Princeton Prize in Race Relations?
Any current 9th-12th grade student who in the past 12 months has been actively involved in a volunteer effort that has positively impacted race relations in his or her school or community is encouraged to apply. Students from participating geographic regions are eligible to win the Princeton Prize: students from other regions will be considered for a Certificate of Accomplishment.
What is the application process?
Students must complete and submit (online or by mail) Part I of the application form, available here. Part II of the application must be submitted by the student's sponsor. Sponsors may be any adult, not related to the student, who is familiar with the activity being put forth for the award. Sponsors can include teachers, advisors, community leaders, or religious leaders. Applications must be received by January 31, 2017.
What types of activities qualify for recognition?
Here are a couple of examples.
Perceiving the need for his school's curriculum to reflect increasing student diversity, a high school senior worked with faculty members in the social studies and history departments to develop a new course to be taught to fellow students, "Diversity in America".
Recognizing that students of color are under-represented in technology, a student created a program that encouraged students of color to learn coding alongside other students. Finding common ground in a shared interest resulted in better understanding while creating more robust opportunities for all.
More examples can be found here.