The Mississippi Department of Education announces the nomination window for the 2027 U.S. Presidential Scholars Recognition Program is now open. Application deadline is Dec. 4, 2026.
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 2027 and August 2027 who attend public, parochial, independent, or home-school programs with the aforementioned qualities are eligible for this honor.
Dr. Lance Evans, state superintendent of education, 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 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 2027 Presidential Scholars App and official school transcript must be submitted by designated school personnel (principal, counselor, etc.) by 12 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, 2026. Counselors/designees of students in Mississippi parochial, private, independent, or home schools should contact Ma’Kesha Adams or Mandy Hackman at (601)359-3461 for submission instructions.
To learn more about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, please visit U.S. Presidential Scholars Program web page. If you have questions for the MDE, please contact Ma’Kesha Adams, Executive Director of Secondary Education, at madams@mdek12.org.