U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has announced the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars, honoring 161 high school seniors for their achievements in academics, arts, and career and technical education fields.
"The 161 high school seniors selected for the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Presidential Scholars represent the best of our nation’s schools and inspire hope in the bright future of this country," stated Cardona. "On behalf of President Biden, I am delighted to celebrate their accomplishments, and encourage these scholars to continue to aim high, lift up others, and embrace opportunities to lead."
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on academic success, excellence in the arts and technical education, through essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.
Out of the 3.7 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,700 candidates qualified for the 2024 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by chief state school officers, other partner recognition organizations and YoungArts, the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists.
The 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars consist of two students from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, 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. This is in accordance with a Presidential Executive Order.
Since its inception in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 8,200 top-performing students nationwide. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015 it was extended again to acknowledge students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
The Presidential Scholars Class of 2024 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program. A complete list of 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available at http://www.ed.gov/psp.
