'Call For Entry' for 1997 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education announced.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 23, 1997--

Prestigious Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize In Education

To Celebrate Its 10th Anniversary In 1997

Nomination Deadline Is March 17, 1997

Celebrating a decade of recognizing and honoring individuals who have implemented positive changes in the field of American education, The McGraw-Hill Companies today announced the launching of its nationally acclaimed Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education awards program for 1997.

"We are delighted to sponsor this inspiring program that continues to recognize the selfless efforts of individuals throughout the country who have dedicated their lives to shaping the future of education in America," says Joseph L. Dionne, chairman and CEO of The McGraw-Hill Companies. "We believe that recognizing these individuals will encourage other future leaders to strive toward similar achievements."

The Harold W. McGraw Jr. Prize in Education, established in 1988 in commemoration of The McGraw-Hill Companies' 100th anniversary and in honor of Harold W. McGraw, Jr. chairman emeritus, has grown to be one of the most prestigious national education awards programs in the United States. Each year, up to three $25,000 prizes are awarded to individuals who have made a difference in American education and whose programs and ideas can serve as effective models for the education of future generations of Americans.

Nomination forms for the 1997 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education, including nominating procedures, eligibility requirements and judging criteria, can be obtained by contacting Elaine Doyle, program coordinator at [phone] or by fax at [phone]. A copy of the nomination form and other program information will also be available on the internet on The McGraw-Hill Companies' home page (http://www.mcgraw-hill.com). Completed nominations must be received no later than Monday, March 17, 1997.

The 1996 Prize recipients, honored last September at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, included three esteemed individuals who made a meaningful impact on all levels of education. They are: Yvonne Chan, principal of the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center in Los Angeles, for launching several highly acclaimed educational, cost-saving and fund-raising initiatives, which resulted in dramatic improvements at one of Los Angeles' most troubled schools; Donald Ingwerson, superintendent of Los Angeles County Office of Education, for continuing to implement the types of innovative school reforms which led to his successful turnaround of one of the nation's largest and most underachieving school districts; and Roy Romer, governor of Colorado, for his leadership in the effort to set education standards and to achieve education reform at both the state and national level.

The McGraw-Hill Companies is a leading information services provider meeting worldwide needs in education, business, finance, the professions and government. Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is the world's largest educational publisher and provides information and analysis in multiple media through its rich portfolio of valuable brands. Sales in 1995 exceeded $2.9 billion.

CONTACT: Eileen Gabriele

Director, Public Affairs 

The McGraw-Hill Companies

212/512-3852

David A. Schutzman

The McGraw-Hill Companies

212/512-2826