The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education recognizes innovators who unleash human potential through technology, methodology, and leadership. Since its creation, more than 100 remarkable leaders in all fields of education have been recognized and celebrated, many of whom continue to play transformative roles today.
Winners
2026 Prize Winners
Pre-K-12 Education
Superintendent, Compton Unified School District
Lifelong Learning
Sid Richardson Chair in Public Affairs and Cockrell Family Chair in Engineering #16 at The University of Texas at Austin
Recent Winner Video Bios
Winner Video Bio
Michael Webber, 2026 McGraw Prize winner for Lifelong Learning
Michael Webber is distinguished by his ability to translate complex energy and environmental issues for policymakers, industry leaders, journalists, and the public. By making complex issues understandable and relevant, Webber has helped millions around the world engage with some of the most consequential energy and environmental challenges of our time.
Winner Video Bio
Shai Reshef, 2026 McGraw Prize winner for Higher Education
Shai Reshef founded the University of the People on a simple but ambitious premise: higher education should be available to anyone qualified to pursue it. As founder and president of the first-ever nonprofit, tuition-free online university with U.S. accreditation, he created a new model designed to expand access to students who have historically been excluded from higher education.
Winner Video Bio
Darin Brawley, 2026 McGraw Prize winner for Pre-K–12 Education
Darin Brawley has spent more than a decade leading one of the nation's most notable examples of sustained district improvement. Under his leadership, graduation and college acceptance rates skyrocketed, expanding opportunities in a high-poverty district serving historically underserved communities.
Winner Video Bio
Rapelang Rabana and Joe Wolf, 2025 McGraw Prize in Pre-K–12 Education
Rapelang Rabana and Joe Wolf are redefining what’s possible for children who are furthest from educational opportunity. They are delivering a massively scalable, evidence-based education technology solution to the global foundational learning crisis.
Winner Video Bio
Cathy N. Davidson, 2025 McGraw Prize in Higher Education
Dr. Cathy N. Davidson has spent her career reimagining higher education for a rapidly changing world. A leading voice in digital literacy, learning science, and interdisciplinary innovation, she is recognized for translating research into action—and for helping institutions adapt to meet the diverse needs of all students.
Winner Video Bio
Frederic Bertley, 2025 McGraw Prize in Lifelong Learning
By re-envisioning how science is shared, taught, and experienced, Dr. Frederic Bertley has ignited a lifelong love of STEM learning in millions through museum education—immersive exhibits, hands-on outreach, and Emmy Award-winning media programs that extend science education far beyond museum walls.
