ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes outstanding high school seniors based on three different pathways of accomplishment, including artistic achievement in the arts (visual arts, music, theater, and dance) and creative writing. Presidential Scholar recognition is among the nation’s highest honors for high school students who represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people. Selected students are invited to apply by the United States Department of ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®, and students chosen as U.S. Presidential Scholars receive a U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion.Ìý

Each year, New York State public schools are invited to recommend up to two students whose artistic achievements demonstrate outstanding excellence. Following a review of the recommendations, the Commissioner of ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ® may nominate up to five students to the U.S. Department of ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ® based on their scholarship and accomplishments in the visual and performing arts or creative writing. Only students nominated by the Commissioner are forwarded for national consideration as U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts.Ìý Ìý

U.S. Presidential Scholars: Excellence in Arts Nominations (September 2026 memorandum)