Harvard Prize Book 

Application deadline: March 31, 2026

Nominations and applications for the 2026 Harvard Prize Book are now open.

The Harvard Prize Book is awarded annually to outstanding Grade 11 secondary students in the Toronto area who demonstrate academic excellence, exceptional personal character, and meaningful contributions to their school or community. These qualities may include leadership, innovation, creativity, citizenship, kindness, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

Through the sponsorship of the annual Prize Book Awards, alumni of the Harvard Club of Toronto seek to recognize and inspire a diverse group of exceptional students across the Greater Toronto Area, while increasing awareness of the educational opportunities and need-based financial aid available at Harvard University.

2026 Application Deadline: Tuesday March 31, 2026, at 11:59p.m.

HOW TO APPLY

SUBMIT NOMINATION FORM
A nomination form outlining the qualities and achievements of the student must be submitted by a principal, teacher, guidance counsellor. A student may also self-nominate. 
INCLUDE WITH NOMINATION FORM
1. RESUME/CV: A resume of the student’s academic and extra-curricular activities, volunteering, awards, certifications, experience, and achievements. 
2. ESSAY: Applicants must submit a short essay, limited to one page (max. 300 words), on one of the following four topics:

• What is a need that you have observed in your community and what practical thing could you do to contribute to a solution?

• If money were not a factor, what type of education would you pursue, what would you study, and why?

• What does “inclusion” mean to you and how could your school or a group you are a member of be more inclusive?

• Reconciliation with Indigenous communities is at the intersection of many important issues (such as the environment, poverty, and justice). What does reconciliation mean to you? How does it relate to you personally in your own context?

*IMPORTANT: students should chose only one of the above topics. The essay must be written entirely by the student without any adult supervision or adult editing. Students must not use AI, which will be detected. Quality of content and originality are most valued.