The Harvard Book Prize program was started in 1910 by Harvard Alumni to encourage talented students to apply to Harvard. Today the Prize is presented annually in more than 1900 high schools around the world. A number of years ago, the Harvard Club of San Francisco adopted the program as a way to help attract talented young people to the opportunities available in Cambridge. The Book Prize is awarded to an outstanding student in a high school's junior class who "combines excellence in scholarship and high character with achievement in other fields."

Generally the honoree is selected by the school principal or guidance counselor. The award is usually made at the school's graduating exercises. In some cases, there may be the opportunity for the Prize to be presented at the school's awards assembly by a local Harvard graduate who may take that opportunity not only to praise the student but also to say a few words about Harvard. Last year, the HCSF awarded the Harvard Book Prize in over 40 schools in the Bay Area. This year, we hope to add a few more schools to our list. Please let us know if you would like to volunteer!

HCSF has set aside some funds in its budget to help keep the program going, but the majority of funds come from donations from alumni like you. A donation of $50 will cover the cost of one book and associated expenses. If you would like to make a donation, there are two ways to contribute:

Please mail a check to:
Harvard Club of San Francisco
369-B Third Street, #306
San Rafael, CA 94901.

Indicate that the check is for the Harvard Book Prize, and specify if you would like your donated Prize to go to a specific school.

Alternatively, you can donate online by clicking here. To make a donation to the Book Prize Program, select "Community Service and Education Restricted Donations."

Thanks in advance for your support!