Harvard Prize Book

Harvard Prize Books are awarded to outstanding students in the next-to-graduating high school class who display excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields. Donated by Harvard Clubs and Shared Interest Groups (SIGs), Prize Books are presented annually in nearly 2,000 high schools around the world.

The Harvard Prize Book Program was originated by Harvard Alumni in 1910. The Harvard Club of Chicago has taken part in the program for decades, awarding prize books to students at Chicago-area high schools. The Harvard Club of Chicago gives participating high schools the choice to receive (at no charge) any one of the three Harvard Prize Books listed at this page from Harvard's university bookstore.

Prize Books are generally presented at the end of the academic year during high school award ceremonies or graduation exercises, with remarks from a local Harvard alumnus/a. Harvard Prize Book awards are not related to the admission process for the Harvard College freshman class.

If you’re interested in participating in our Harvard Prize Book program, please contact your high school's HCC High School Liaison or Sameer Doshi, HCC's Chair for the Prize Book Program.

Prize Books are awarded without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or political beliefs. Additionally, it is at the discretion of the secondary school to determine the recipient of a Prize Book. Selection cannot be done through an application process.