United States Presidential Scholars Program and United States Senate Youth Program

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) would like to invite high school principals to nominate students to apply for the following programs: 

United States Presidential Scholars Program 

High school principals are asked to identify outstanding high school students who will be graduating between January and August of 2024, to apply for consideration for the United States Presidential Scholars Program (USPSP). One general program student applicant and one Career and Technical Education (CTE) student applicant will be accepted from each school.  

Application due date: October 6, 2023 

For the general program, the commissioner of education will nominate ten male and ten female candidates to apply for the opportunity to be U.S. Presidential Scholars. 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 CTE fields. Seniors chosen as U.S. Presidential Scholars are selected by the Commission on Presidential Scholars and will be presented with a medallion at a ceremony in their honor where they will engage in conversations and events related to issues that concern America and the world.  

Please see TEA’s US Presidential Scholars Program webpage for more information. 

United States Senate Youth Program 

High school principals are asked to nominate their most outstanding junior or senior high school student to apply for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). 

Nominated applicants will be considered by a state committee from the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals. Texas will select two student leaders as delegates (and two alternates) to participate in an intensive week-long educational program with students from across the nation. The program will take place from March 2-9, 2024, in Washington D.C. 

Applications are due October 6, 2023 

Background:

The USSYP is a unique educational experience for talented junior or senior high school students who demonstrate outstanding leadership and a strong commitment to public service. Established in 1962, the annual USSYP authorizes the selection of 104 student delegates, two from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Office of Dependents Schools to participate in a week-long immersion in Washington activities. Delegates will hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense, and other federal agencies, as well as participate in meetings with the president and a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The program is sponsored by The Hearst Foundations that funds all delegate expenses for Washington Week (transportation, hotel, and meals). Each delegate is also awarded a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship, with encouragement to pursue a career in public service. 

Please see the TEA’s US Senate Youth Program webpage for more information. 

Contact

Questions regarding these programs may be sent to uspsp@tea.texas.gov or ussyp@tea.texas.gov respectively.