The US Presidential Scholars Program: Recognizing the Nation’s Brightest Minds

Last updated 2 days ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

The United States Presidential Scholars Program stands as one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for graduating high school seniors. Established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President, this program recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of distinguished young individuals across the country.

Each year, up to 161 students are named Presidential Scholars, acknowledging their exceptional achievements in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.

Mission, History, and Goals

The core mission of the US Presidential Scholars Program is to identify and honor some of the nation’s most accomplished graduating high school seniors.

The program was founded on the principle of recognizing outstanding scholarship and encouraging high attainment among all students. Over its history, the program has evolved to encompass a broader range of talents and achievements:

• Initial focus on academic excellence (1964)
• Expanded in 1979 to include students demonstrating exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts
• Further broadened in 2015 to recognize students who exhibit ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields

The overarching goal is to celebrate the excellence and potential of young Americans who demonstrate outstanding scholarship, leadership, and commitment to their communities. By honoring these students, the program symbolically recognizes the importance of education and the promise of future greatness in the nation’s youth.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the US Presidential Scholars Program identify truly exceptional students across different categories:

General Academic Achievement

• Students typically become candidates based on exceptional performance on either the SAT or ACT Assessment
• The US Department of Education identifies the top-performing students in each state
• Chief State School Officers (CSSOs) can also nominate candidates based on outstanding scholarship
• Nominees must be US citizens or legal permanent residents
• Candidates must be graduating high school seniors between January and August of the current program year

Arts

• YoungArts serves as the sole nominating agency for Presidential Scholars in the Arts since 1982
• Students must participate in the YoungArts program and meet specific criteria, including a minimum GPA
• YoungArts nominates approximately 60 students annually who are then invited to apply

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

• Criteria emphasize academic achievement within CTE programs, technical competence, employability skills, and ingenuity
• Students must be nominated by their state’s CSSO
• Each CSSO can nominate up to five candidates who meet program requirements

The Nomination Process

The nomination process varies depending on the category:

General Academic Achievement

• Most candidates are identified based on exceptional performance on the SAT and ACT exams
• The Department of Education reviews scores and identifies top students in each state
• Each state’s CSSO can nominate up to ten male and ten female candidates who demonstrate outstanding scholarship

Artistic Scholars

• The nomination path is exclusively through YoungArts
• High school seniors must first apply to YoungArts’ national arts competition
• Award winners who participate in National YoungArts Week are considered for nomination
• Discipline-specific panelists nominate students based on artistic achievement
• YoungArts nominates up to 60 candidates to the program

CTE Candidates

• Nominated by their respective state’s CSSO
• Each CSSO can nominate up to five students who meet eligibility requirements
• Nominations are based on demonstrated excellence in career and technical education fields

Application to the US Presidential Scholars Program is by invitation only. Students cannot directly apply unless nominated through one of these pathways.

Nomination Pathways

The Application Process

Once nominated, students receive an invitation to apply to the program. This invitation typically includes a unique nomination ID that grants access to an online application portal.

The application requires candidates to submit:

• Essays showcasing personal qualities, leadership skills, and community commitment
• Self-assessments reflecting on strengths, weaknesses, and personal characteristics
• Secondary school reports and transcripts showing academic performance and school activities

The application deadline typically falls in late February. For the 2025 cycle, the deadline was February 26, 2025. Nominated students must adhere to this deadline and ensure all required materials are submitted on time.

The Selection Process

Selection of US Presidential Scholars involves multiple stages of review:

1. Initial evaluation based on academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and essay quality
2. For the general academic component, factors considered include:
   • Academic rigor
   • School and community involvement
   • Leadership
   • Problem-solving skills
   • Character
   • Perseverance
   • Writing samples
3. Approximately 500 students are chosen as semifinalists in late March
4. Arts scholars are initially selected based on artistic ability demonstrated through auditions, portfolios, or writing samples
   • Approximately 60 arts candidates enter at the semifinalist level
5. CTE candidates are selected based on accomplishments in career and technical education fields
   • Up to 60 CTE candidates become semifinalists
6. In April, the Commission on Presidential Scholars makes the final selection of up to 161 Presidential Scholars
   • Selection is based on comprehensive review of all materials

Benefits of Being a US Presidential Scholar

Being named a US Presidential Scholar offers significant benefits:

• National recognition for accomplishments – one of the highest honors a high school student can achieve
• Invitation to Washington, D.C., for a National Recognition Program (traditionally)
• Receipt of the Presidential Scholars Medallion
• Enhanced opportunities for merit-based scholarships and college admissions (though the program itself does not provide monetary scholarships)
• Access to a network of accomplished peers, providing lifelong connections
• Support from the US Presidential Scholars Foundation, which cultivates, connects, and celebrates scholars
• Opportunities to meet government officials, educators, and other accomplished individuals

History of the Program

The US Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Initially, it recognized the most distinguished graduating seniors for academic achievements.

A significant expansion occurred in 1979 under President Carter, extending the program to honor students with exceptional talent in the arts. In 2015, President Obama further expanded the program to include recognition of students demonstrating ability in career and technical education fields.

Over its history, the program has honored more than 8,000 outstanding high school seniors.

Notable Alumni

The US Presidential Scholars Program boasts a distinguished list of alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields:

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.