Harvard Book Prize
Harvard Inspire
April 26, 2019
Harvard Book Prize
The Harvard Book Prize is awarded to outstanding students in the next-to-graduating class selected by the Executive Board of the Harvard Club of Ghana, based on academic excellence, exceptional personal qualities, significant contribution to school or community and a written response to an essay prompt. Each winner receives a personally inscribed copy of “The Harvard Book”, an anthology of essays written by Harvard alumni spanning three centuries.
Since 1910, the Harvard Book Prize has been an important way for Harvard Club members to help attract talented young people to Harvard and the opportunities in Cambridge. Harvard Book Prize books are presented annually in more than 1,900 high schools around the world and are made available through generous donations from individual Harvard Club members. Harvard Prize Books are awarded without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or political beliefs. Through the Harvard Book Prize program, we, at the Harvard Club of Ghana hope to raise the visibility of Harvard University among local secondary schools in Ghana, and to encourage outstanding students throughout Ghana to consider applying to Harvard
Essay Prompt for 2022-2023 Academic Year
“These kids are growing up faster than we did, have been exposed to more, and are not as naive as we once were. You can see it; this generation is different, and they're tired. The things that tear apart the adults- race, sexual orientation, religion, identity- don't seem to bother them as much, if at all. They're focused on big-picture things, like making sure the Earth doesn't kick us off it.” ― Michael K. Williams, Scenes from My Life: A Memoir
Gen Z is often considered the first fully digital native generation; unlike their predecessors, they grew up in a world that was always connected, and have never known a time without smartphones or social media. Compared to older generations, Gen Z is often thought of as more diverse, inclusive, and socially conscious. They are more likely to prioritize authenticity and individual expression, and are less likely to conform to traditional gender and societal norms.
In 600 words or less, analyze the differences between Gen Z and older generations, and explore what each group can learn from the other, particularly as it relates to the world’s most pressing issues. Begin by discussing the defining characteristics of Gen Z and older generations, highlighting key differences in values, beliefs, and perspectives. Analyze how these differences have been shaped by historical, technological, and cultural factors, and consider the ways in which they have influenced the way each group interacts with the world around them. Next, discuss the potential benefits that each group can gain from learning from the other. Finally, examine the potential challenges that may arise from these generational differences, and how they can be overcome.
Eligibilty
The eligibility for the book prize is secondary students in their penultimate year (SHS 2 / 11th Grade / Lower 6th Form )
Application Instructions
Please email the following materials to [email protected] with the subject line “Harvard Book Prize” no later than June 5, 2023.
- Your response to the prompt. Please pay attention to the strict limit of 500 words, any essays longer than 500 words will be disqualified. Your letter must be your own work. Plagiarism will result in an automatic disqualification.
- A scanned copy of your grades/school transcript
- A copy of your CV / Resume
- A letter of recommendation from a teacher or your school guidance counselor
Deadline
The deadline is 5 June 2023
2021-2022 Academic Year Winners
- Nigel Akwasi Sarpong (Ghana International School)
- Kwabena Adom Oteng-Agyei Kankam (Faith Montessori School)
- Damini Ahuja (The Roman Ridge School)
- Jharna Budhrani (Ghana International School)
- Carmila Owusu-Ansah (SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College)
- Brianna Boafo (Roman Ridge School)
- Kofi Darko (Morgan International School)
- Shambhavi Verma (Ghana International School)
- Valerie Ackon (Wesley Girls School)
- Katelyn Owusu (Roman Ridge School)
- Carl Awuku (Roman Ridge School)
- Afua Ansah (Achimota School)
2020-2021 Academic Year Winners
2019-2020 Academic Year Winners
