The Princeton Prize in Race Relations

Hundreds of high school students apply each year to receive the Princeton Prize in Race Relations with encouragement from Princeton alumni across the country. Alumni work in regional committees to identify and award outstanding students who are working to advance racial equity in order to promote respect and understanding of all. For many alumni, being part of a Princeton Prize committee is one of the most meaningful ways to volunteer for Princeton.

“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.”

— Committee on Princeton Prize in Race Relations

About the Princeton Prize

The mission of the Princeton Prize in Race Relations is to identify and recognize high school students who, through action and service, have demonstrated leadership in advancing racial equity, promoting racial understanding, or eliminating racial bias and prejudice in their schools and communities.
The Princeton Prize in Race Relations envisions a nation that embraces harmony and respect, in which all individuals, regardless of race or ethnic or cultural background, have every opportunity to thrive and rise to their full potential in just, equitable and inclusive communities.
These pillars are the foundation for the work of the Princeton Prize in Race Relations (PPRR) towards fulfilling its mission:
PILLAR I: High School Students and their Communities
- Elevates the voices and work of high school students creating positive change in their communities
- Encourages and prepares young people to maximize their leadership and impact
- Provides opportunities for young activists to network and collaborate
- Creates avenues for community engagement and endorsement
PILLAR II: Princeton Alumni
- Creates opportunities for alumni to engage with each other and their communities around the issues of race, racism and racial equity
- Connects alumni to the University's priorities for diversity, equity and inclusion
PILLAR III: Princeton University
- Using the reputation of Princeton University, shines a light on activities in communities across the country which address systemic racism and racial inequality
- Provides an outlet for public awareness of Princeton University's commitment to and priorities around racial equity and diversity

Overview

PPRR operates through 28 Regional Committees, more than 400 alumni volunteers and an at-large committee that accept applications from high school students who live outside the geographic boundaries of the existing regions. Each committee is responsible for awarding one Princeton Prize and may also award Certificates of Accomplishment for notable work.

PPRR has honored more than 1,600 high school students since its inception.

Each of the Princeton Prize in Race Relations recipients receives an award of $1,000 and is invited to participate in a Symposium on Race. During the symposium, recipients will have the opportunity to meet and learn from other Princeton Prize recipients from across the country and to speak with others engaged in racial justice work and scholarship. Prize recipients and Certificate of Accomplishment recipients are also recognized at ceremonies in their home regions by local Princeton alumni.

Princeton alumni who would like to volunteer with the Princeton Prize should contact pprize@princeton.edu.