Presidential Scholars Commission
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Commission on Presidential Scholars (CPS) is an esteemed group appointed by the President of the United States to select and honor high school seniors for their exceptional achievements in academics, the arts, and career and technical education. This commission plays a crucial role in recognizing and celebrating youth excellence across the nation.
Mission
The mission of the Commission on Presidential Scholars is to recognize and celebrate outstanding academic, artistic, and technical achievements among graduating high school seniors. By identifying and honoring these scholars, the Commission seeks to foster a culture of excellence, leadership, and service, encouraging students to continue their pursuit of knowledge and contribution to society.
Parent organization
The Commission on Presidential Scholars operates under the U.S. Department of Education, which oversees the administration of the program and provides logistical support.
Legislation
Established by an Executive Order[1] by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, this commission was designed to honor high school students for their academic accomplishments.
Partners
The Commission works with:
- U.S. Department of Education - https://www.ed.gov/
- YoungArts - https://www.youngarts.org/ for the arts component of the program.
Number of employees
The Commission does not have full-time staff but consists of appointed members who serve in an advisory capacity.
Organization structure
- The Commission is led by a Chair appointed by the President.
- Members include distinguished individuals from various fields like education, arts, business, and public service, selected for their expertise and commitment to education.
List of programs
- Selection of Presidential Scholars - Annually, the Commission selects up to 161 students for this national honor.
- National Recognition Program - An event where scholars are formally recognized, typically in Washington, D.C.
Last total enacted budget
Specific budget details for the Commission on Presidential Scholars are not publicly itemized but are included within the broader budget of the U.S. Department of Education.
Leader
The head of the Commission is known as the "Chair."
Staff
The Commission operates with a small group of appointees rather than a fixed staff. Appointees serve for terms determined by the President.
Funding
Funding for the Commission's activities comes from the federal budget allocated to the U.S. Department of Education, specifically for the Presidential Scholars Program.
Services provided
The Commission's primary service is the selection and recognition of high school seniors as Presidential Scholars based on their academic achievement, artistic talent, or career and technical education accomplishments. This includes managing the application process, evaluating candidates, and organizing the annual recognition ceremony.
Regulations overseen
The Commission does not oversee regulations but follows guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Education and the Executive Order that established it.
Headquarters address
400 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20202, USA
History
Created by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 through Executive Order 11155, the Commission on Presidential Scholars was designed as a recognition program for outstanding high school graduates. Over the years, the program has expanded to include students with exceptional achievements in the arts (1979) and in career and technical education (2015), reflecting a broader recognition of diverse talents and abilities among the nation's youth.