The Clifton Strengths Prize

Recognizing and honoring significant advances in the science and practice of strengths-based psychology, education, and leadership.

Over a 50 year career, Dr. Donald O. Clifton established a movement in psychology that focuses on talents and strengths. Dr. Clifton’s core philosophy was to have people focus on what was positive and right with themselves, and to build on their strengths to achieve their full potential. The Clifton Strengths Prize honors Dr. Clifton’s life’s work and enduring influence on the field of psychology, and promotes further groundbreaking theory, research, and practice in this area.

The award will be given every other year to individuals or teams that have done outstanding work in advancing the science and/or practice of strengths -based psychology, education, and leadership.

Award Cycle

The second recipient of this award will be recognized in Omaha, Nebraska in October 2008. The amount of the prize is $250,000 to be distributed in two equal installments in 2008 and 2009. The recipient will contribute to the mentoring of strengths scholars in the summer of 2009, give one keynote address in Fall 2009 or 2010, and contribute three brief white papers to the Clifton Strengths Institute.

Award Review Process

Candidates must be nominated by three non-related sources, who will each be asked to complete a structured evaluation form to determine the merits of the work to be considered for the award. Nominators may collaborate on the application, with one of the nominators designated to compile the application materials. Nominees will be asked to provide their nominating team with a portfolio of representative materials, which will be used to judge qualifications for the award. An independent review committee chosen by the executive advisory board will provide an anonymous evaluation of the candidate’s materials and recommendation to the executive advisory board. The executive advisory board will select the top candidate from the pool of prospective candidates.

Information Required for Nomination

- Name of nominator and Address
- Vita of Nominee
- Statement of Justification
- Names of Other Recommenders and Addresses

Please send nominations to shane@strengths.org by April 1, 2008.

Additional information will be asked of finalists.