U.S. Presidential Scholarship Program

Each year, the Commissioner seeks school nominations of high school seniors for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

Purpose

The purpose of the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is to recognize and honor outstanding high school seniors and thereby to encourage high attainment among all students by recognizing students whose performance demonstrates excellence.

Overview

Each year, the Commissioner seeks school nominations of high school seniors for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 2015, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Each year up to approximately 160 students from across the country are named by the U.S. Department of Education as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students.

Scholars are chosen on the basis of their accomplishments in many areas — academics, leadership, and involvement in school and the community — and represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America's youth. U.S. Presidential Scholars are honored for their accomplishments during the National Recognition Program each June. To commemorate their achievement, the Scholars are awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion.

See below for more details.

• Eligibility
• Criteria for High School Selection of Students to Nominate
• Submission Process
• Additional General Information
• Expand All

Last Updated: August 30, 2022