The U.S. Department of Education is proud to announce the selection of 161 exceptional high school seniors as the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing their remarkable achievements in academics, the arts, and career and technical education.
“These students represent the exceptional caliber of character and intellect that our nation’s future demands,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “On behalf of President Trump, I congratulate each Scholar who never gave up, the families who believed in them, and the communities who guided them. As you forge your next paths, continue to aim higher, leverage your extraordinary talents, and boldly assume your responsibilities as leaders.”
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars identifies honorees through a rigorous selection process, evaluating academic excellence, artistic and technical talent, essays, school recommendations, and evidence of leadership and community service.
This year, out of 3.9 million graduating high school seniors, more than 6,700 candidates qualified for consideration based on outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or nominations by chief state school officers.
The 2026 class includes one young man and one young woman from every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 at-large Scholars, 20 Scholars in the arts, and 20 Scholars in career and technical education, as directed by Presidential Executive Order.
Since its inception in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored approximately 8,800 of America’s top-performing students. The program expanded in 1979 to recognize artistic excellence and, in 2015, to celebrate achievements in career and technical education.
Each member of the 2026 class will receive an engraved U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion, symbolizing their extraordinary accomplishments and bright futures.