Derek Bok Public Service Prize
All Class of 2026 graduates are invited and strongly encouraged to enter the Derek Bok Prize for Public Service competition. The prize is awarded to Harvard Extension School graduates who have contributed to creative initiatives in community service or have long-standing records of civic achievement.
Interested undergraduate and master’s graduates should submit the Derek Bok Service Prize form. The application deadline is the first Monday in March at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Commencement Speaker Prizes
Andrew J. Engelward Commencement Speaker Prize
Named in loving memory of Assistant Dean Andrew J. Engelward, PhD ’99, who’s exceptional twenty-five-year career in teaching and leadership reflected a deep and enduring belief in the transformative promise of adult education. This prize is awarded to either an A.L.B. or A.L.M. graduate who delivers the student Commencement speech at the Harvard Extension School diploma-awarding ceremony. Speech submissions must be received by the deadline.
For details, see the Andrew J. Engelward Commencement Speaker Prize information sheet. To apply, download and complete the Template for the Andrew J. Engelward Commencement Speaker Prize. Speech submissions are due by the first Monday in March at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Student Orations Competition (University-wide)
In addition, all Class of 2026 graduates are also eligible to compete in the Student Orations Competition and deliver the prizewinning speech at the morning Commencement exercise in Harvard Yard to an audience of 30,000 + graduates and guests. The submission deadline is Friday, March 27. Late submissions will not be accepted.
For more information, go to the Student Orations Competition page on the Harvard University Commencement Office website.
