The United States 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.
The selection of approximately 2,600 academic candidates is made based on SAT and ACT scores. Following this, approximately 20 females and 20 males are selected as candidates from each state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and from families of U. S. citizens living abroad.
Application to this program is by invitation only. In April the Commission Presidential Scholars reviews applications of all semi-finalists and selects up to 121 academic scholars and up to 20 arts scholars. All scholars are honored for their accomplishments during National Recognition Week, held in June in Washington, DC. The Department of Education is responsible for coordinating this program. The scholars are brought to Washington, DC and are housed at Georgetown University with visits to the White House and Congress.
To encourage high level recruitment for USDA agencies, OPEDA for the past two years has sponsored a program for the Asian students who are selected for this program. This year 34 scholars are Asian. The program is attended by high level officials from the Department of Education and USDA and is covered by local TV programs and the Voice of America.
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What's New
Pictures from the 2011 Holiday Party have been Posted in the
Photo Gallery.
