The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) announces confirmation from the U.S. Department of Education on Friday, Jan. 9, that the nomination window for the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Recognition Program is now open.
The United States Presidential Scholars Program (USPSP) was established in 1964, by Executive Order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2016, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education (CTE) fields.
U.S. Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students, represents excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people. High school seniors who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents graduating between January 2026 and August 2026 who attend public, parochial, independent, or home-school programs with the aforementioned qualities are eligible for this honor.
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Lance Evans will nominate up to 20 students (10 males and 10 females) for the general component of the program and up to five students each for the CTE and Arts components. Students who are selected to be nominated by Dr. Evans to the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program will receive additional information via postal mail or email directly from the USPSP national office.
The nomination application available here 2026 Presidential Scholars App and student transcript must be submitted by designated school personnel (school counselor, etc.) at the following link Submission Materials (https://myaccess.microsoft.com/@mdek12.org#/access-packages/8d630bfa-ca34-4ecc-830c-52c8a43f0a0d )- by noon on Friday, Jan. 30. Late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
To learn more about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, please visit the Presidential Scholars Website. If you have questions for the MDE, please contact Executive Director of Secondary Education Ma’Kesha Adams at madams@mdek12.org.