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
Application is by invitation only. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) invites students, during the year of their graduation from high school, to apply based on their scores on the SAT or ACT exam; their nomination by a Chief State School Officer (Commissioner of Education); or their nomination from one of ED's partner recognition organizations.
Students in Kentucky must be nominated by their high school and apply to be considered for nomination by the Kentucky Education Commissioner. Nominations open annually each fall. Students who meet all qualifications will automatically be sent program notification and a unique nomination ID in January from ED.
Additional details about the nomination criteria and selection process are available on the U.S. Department of Education website.
2024 Semifinalist Announced
Program Timeline:
- Candidates have been notified;
- Applications are due February 22, 2024;
- Semifinalists will be announced around April 15;
- Scholars will be announced approximately May 9; and
- Scholar online recognition program will be at the end of June