United States Presidential Scholars Program and United States Senate Youth Program Update

Date:  September 3, 2020
Subject: United States Presidential Scholars Program and United States Senate Youth Program Update
Category: Student Recognition Opportunity
Next Steps:  Share with high school principals

 

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) would like to invite high school principals to nominate students to apply for the United States Presidential Scholars Program. 

United States Presidential Scholars Program 

High school principals are asked to identify outstanding high school students who will be graduating between January and June of 2021 to apply for consideration for the United States (U.S.) Presidential Scholars Program. One general program student applicant and one career and technical education (CTE) student applicant will be accepted from each school. 

Application due date: October 15, 2020. 

For the general component, the Texas Commissioner of Education will nominate ten male and ten female candidates to apply for the opportunity to be a U.S. Presidential Scholar. Additionally, the Commissioner of Education will nominate five CTE students to apply for the honor. 

Background: 

Established in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program honors graduating seniors for their outstanding scholarship, achievement and promise of future success. In 2015, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Seniors chosen as U.S. Presidential Scholars are selected by the Commission on Presidential Scholars and will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. where they will be presented with a medallion at a ceremony in their honor. While there, the students will engage in conversations and events over issues that concern America and the world. 

Please see TEA’s U.S. Presidential Scholars Program webpage for more information: www.tea.texas.gov/Presidential_Scholar/

United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP)

Due to the uncertainty posed by the ongoing pandemic, the Hearst Foundation has put the 2021 USSYP on hold. Applications are not being accepted until further notice. Please check for periodic updates and additional information here: www.tea.texas.gov/USSYP/

Contact: 

For more information about these programs, please contact uspsp@tea.texas.gov or ussyp@tea.texas.gov