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 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
Application Window is Now Open until Nov. 1, 2024
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is seeking nominations for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Application is by invitation only. This is not a scholarship; however, all scholars will be honored for their accomplishments during the National Recognition Program, held in June 2025 in Washington, D.C. Each school may nominate four high school seniors. The four students may be nominated from each of these three categories: General (one male/one female), Arts or Career and Technical Education (CTE) categories.
Students in Kentucky must be nominated by their high school and apply to be considered for nomination by the Kentucky Education Commissioner. It is encouraged for students to be nominated who, while demonstrating outstanding scholarship, might not otherwise be nominated through the current ACT/SAT or arts recognition processes. For the arts category, students must participate in the National YoungArts program. The staff recommendation and student application must be submitted to be a nominee. Please contact your school counselor or CTE administrator for the form links. If you have any questions, please email Kathie Anderson or call (502) 564-4970, ext. 4133.
Five Kentucky students named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars
The Kentucky students are:
- Owen Matthew Borden, Highlands High School (Fort Thomas Independent);
- Jennifer Mi Nguyen, The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics at Morehead State University;
- Joshua Zyzak, Beechwood High School (Beechwood Independent);
- Chase R. Phillips, duPont Manual High School (Jefferson County); and
- Sarah Elise Cauley, Murray High School (Murray Independent).
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on academic success, excellence in the arts and in technical education, through essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.
As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of two students from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 scholars in the arts and 20 scholars in career and technical education.
A complete list of 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available at the U.S. Department of Education website.