The US Presidential Scholars Program was started in 1964 to honor top high school seniors. It looks for students who excel in academics, leadership, and community service. In 1979, it also began to celebrate students with outstanding talent in the arts.
In 2015, the program grew again to include students who shine in career and technical education. This shows the program’s commitment to recognizing all types of excellence.
Every year, up to 161 students are chosen as U.S. Presidential Scholars. This is a huge honor for high school students in the U.S. These students are celebrated for their achievements. They get to meet leaders, explore Washington, D.C., and connect with peers who have also achieved great things.
Key Takeaways :US Presidential Scholars Program
- The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is a prestigious national recognition program for exceptional high school students.
- The program recognizes students for their academic achievements, leadership, and service to school and community.
- In addition to academics, the program honors students with exceptional talent in the arts and career/technical fields.
- Only 161 students are selected as U.S. Presidential Scholars each year, making it a highly selective and coveted distinction.
- Scholars receive unique opportunities, such as an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., and a special award ceremony.
What is the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program?
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is a top honor for high school seniors. It was started in 1964 by an executive order. It aims to celebrate students for their academic success, leadership, and community service.
Prestigious Recognition for Academic Excellence
Every year, the U.S. Department of Education picks up to 161 students as U.S. Presidential Scholars. They are chosen for their top grades and leadership. Since 1964, over 8,000 students have been honored.
Established in 1964 by Executive Order
The program began in 1964, thanks to President Lyndon B. Johnson. It now also honors students in arts and technical fields. This shows the program’s growth and diversity.
Being a U.S. Presidential Scholar is a big deal. Each state and the District of Columbia can nominate up to 20 students. This includes 10 for General Education and 5 for Career and Technical Education.
| Category | Annual Recipients |
|---|---|
| General Education | Up to 161 students |
| Career and Technical Education | Up to 20 students |
The selection process is tough. It looks at grades, involvement, and leadership. The U.S. Department of Education and state committees work hard to find the best students.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program honors top high school seniors across the country. It welcomes all graduating students who are U.S. citizens or legal residents. The selection starts with identifying the best students in each state based on SAT or ACT scores.
The eligibility and selection criteria look at more than just grades. They also consider personal qualities, leadership, service, and extracurricular activities. The program celebrates not just academic success but also exceptional talent in the arts and career/technical fields.
Academic Achievement and Extracurricular Activities
Every year, about 4,000 students are considered for the program. They are chosen for their academic achievement shown through SAT or ACT scores. State school officers can also nominate up to five students for their outstanding scholarship.
- Up to 161 students are named U.S. Presidential Scholars annually.
- The U.S. Department of Education invites selected students to submit their applications in January, with the deadline being in February.
- The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars then selects the final U.S. Presidential Scholars in May.
Exceptional Talent in Arts and Career/Technical Fields
The program also honors students with exceptional talent in the arts and career/technical fields. The U.S. Department of Education works with the YoungArts Program. They nominate up to 60 students in the arts for the Presidential Scholars Program.
| Category | Selection |
|---|---|
| Arts | The White House Commission selects 20 students from the 60 YoungArts nominees for the Presidential Scholar in the Arts award. |
| Career/Technical Fields | Each year, the DPI selects 20 students in Category 3 (Achievement and Overcoming Challenges) and five students in Category 4 (CTE Accomplishment) to forward to the U.S. Presidential Scholar Program office. |
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program honors high school seniors for their academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and talents in the arts and career/technical fields. This honor inspires and motivates future generations.
U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program honors top high school seniors across the U.S. It was started in 1964 by the President’s order. Since then, it has celebrated over 8,000 students for their great achievements, leadership, and community service.
Every year, up to 161 students are chosen as U.S. Presidential Scholars. This is a huge honor for high school students. Students from all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and abroad are considered.
The program has grown to include more areas of excellence. Now, it also recognizes students in the arts and in career and technical education. This shows the program’s commitment to celebrating all kinds of talent.
The presidential scholars program doesn’t give out scholarships. But, it gives students a special title. This title can help them get into top colleges and open doors to future opportunities.
Key Facts about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
- Established in 1964 by executive order of the President
- Recognizes up to 161 high school seniors annually
- Honors students for academic achievement, leadership, and community service
- Expanded in 1979 to include arts, and in 2015 to include career and technical education
- Highly competitive selection process, with students nominated from across the country
- Does not offer scholarships, but provides a prestigious national recognition
The u.s. presidential scholars program shows the amazing talent and hard work of U.S. high school students. It aims to motivate these students to keep striving for greatness in their studies and personal lives.
Prestigious Alumni of the Program
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has a long list of famous alumni. These presidential scholars program alumni have excelled in many areas. They have made big impacts in academia and other fields like business, law, and public service.
Notable Scholars in Academia and Beyond
Richard Alley, a geosciences professor at Pennsylvania State University, is one of them. Charles B. Chang, a linguistics professor at Boston University, is another. Elizabeth Kiss, the eighth president of Agnes Scott College, was also a U.S. Presidential Scholar.
She was the first female Warden of Rhodes House at Oxford University. These individuals have greatly contributed to academia and other fields. They show the wide range of talents and achievements of U.S. Presidential Scholars program alumni.
| Name | Field | Accomplishment |
|---|---|---|
| Richard Alley | Geosciences | Professor at Pennsylvania State University |
| Charles B. Chang | Linguistics | Professor at Boston University |
| Elizabeth Kiss | Higher Education | 8th President of Agnes Scott College, First female Warden of Rhodes House at Oxford University |
“The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has played a pivotal role in nurturing the talents of exceptional students, empowering them to make remarkable contributions in their respective fields.”
Also Read : Top 5 Scholarships Offered By US For International Students!
Conclusion
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is a top honor for high school students since 1964. It finds and celebrates the best students for their hard work, leadership, and community service. The program also honors students with great talent in arts and career fields.
Many U.S. Presidential Scholars have become leaders in their fields. They show the program’s lasting effect. It keeps supporting the country’s brightest young minds, showing the value of education.
This program’s legacy is about recognizing and supporting top students. It has a big impact on education. By celebrating these students, it keeps inspiring future leaders.
FAQs
Q: What is the United States Presidential Scholars Program?
A: The United States Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to honor exceptional graduating high school seniors. It recognizes students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in academic and career fields, including the arts.
Q: How can students be nominated for the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program?
A: Students can be nominated by their chief state school officer, or they may self-nominate through the online national recognition program. Nominations are critical for consideration in the program.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements for the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program?
A: Eligibility requirements include being a graduating high school senior, demonstrating ability and accomplishment in academic or career and technical education fields, and meeting the nomination criteria set by the Department of Education.
Q: What distinguishes the Presidential Scholar in the Arts?
A: The Presidential Scholar in the Arts recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual and performing arts. This recognition is part of the broader United States Presidential Scholars Program, which honors high-achieving individuals.
Q: When does the Department of Education announce the U.S. Presidential Scholars?
A: The Department of Education announces the U.S. Presidential Scholars annually, typically in the spring. For example, the 2024 U.S. scholars will be announced in spring 2024.
Q: How many scholars are selected each year for the Presidential Scholars Program?
A: Each year, the Commission on Presidential Scholars selects up to 161 scholars from across the nation. This includes scholars from various fields, including academics and career and technical education.
Q: What types of accomplishments do the scholars in career and technical education demonstrate?
A: Scholars in career and technical education demonstrate significant ability and accomplishment in their respective fields, showcasing skills and talents that prepare them for success in their careers.
Q: What is the role of the National YoungArts Foundation in relation to this program?
A: The National YoungArts Foundation partners with the United States Presidential Scholars Program to identify and honor Presidential Scholars in the Arts. This collaboration highlights the achievements of young artists in various disciplines.
Q: How does the program extend its recognition to students in 2025?
A: The program was expanded to recognize students in 2025, allowing for the inclusion of more young talents across various disciplines, reinforcing its commitment to honoring exceptional high school students in the nation.
Source Links
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidential_Scholars_Program
- https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/what-is-a-presidential-scholarship/
- https://tea.texas.gov/academics/learning-support-and-programs/united-states-presidential-scholars-program
- https://www.dpi.nc.gov/students-families/enhanced-opportunities/advanced-learning-and-gifted-education/us-presidential-scholars
- https://www.doe.mass.edu/scholarships/pres-scholars/
- https://dpi.wi.gov/cal/presidential-scholars-program
- https://doe.nv.gov/scholarships/u-s-presidential-scholars-program/
- https://www.gadoe.org/External-Affairs-and-Policy/Excellence-Recognition/Pages/U.S.-Presidential-Scholar-Program.aspx
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2024/05/19/meet-the-us-presidential-scholars-for-2024/
- https://www.nj.gov/education/cte/resources/presidential/
- https://youngarts.org/press-releases/60-accomplished-artists-nominated-for-2024-u-s-presidential-scholars-in-the-arts/
- https://magazine.ravenscroft.org/news/nsp/~board/news/post/eun-yoo-24-named-a-2024-us-presidential-scholars-semifinalist
- https://www.cee.org/newsevents/press-releases/cees-research-science-institute-alumni-named-2022-us-presidential
- https://bold.org/blog/what-is-a-presidential-scholarship/
- https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-is-it-like-to-be-a-u_b_5585005
