For almost half a century, the late James Bryant Conant - research scientist, diplomat, author and longtime president of Harvard University - was a pivotal figure in the making of our nation's scientific, foreign, nuclear and education policy.

One of his last books, Shaping Educational Policy, served as a blueprint for the Education Commission of the States (ECS), an interstate compact created in 1965 to help states work together to improve education policy and policymaking.

Each year since 1977, ECS has honored the memory of Conant, one of its three co-founders, by bestowing an award in his name on an individual who has made outstanding contributions to American education.

To learn more about the life and career of James Bryant Conant, his influence on American public education, and the leaders honored in his name, please take a few minutes to watch the ECS-produced video documentary linked to at right.