Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) today congratulated the 198 Pennsylvania students named as candidates for the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE).
“I am delighted to recognize the students across Pennsylvania nominated as candidates for this year’s U.S. Presidential Scholars Program,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “I am incredibly proud of these students for the hard work and dedication they put into their studies and for going above and beyond in community service, displaying outstanding leadership skills, and doing their part to make the Commonwealth a better place for all Pennsylvanians.”
Established in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program serves to recognize and honor distinguished graduating high school seniors each year. 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.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects students annually based on eligibility criteria including, but not limited to, their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
This year, 198 students from Pennsylvania were named as candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Each year, up to 161 students throughout the United States are named as Presidential Scholars. In 2022, three students in Pennsylvania were chosen as U.S. Presidential Scholars, one of whom notably became Pennsylvania’s first-ever career and technical education (CTE) student to earn the recognition.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education, please visit the website or follow PDE on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Pinterest.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kristin Boyd Edwards, kristedwar@pa.gov
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