Parents, educators and community members can recommend outstanding Iowa high school seniors in academics, the arts or career and technical education. The national honor does not provide college scholarship money.
The Iowa Department of Education is accepting nominations for the 2027 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program through Sunday, Nov. 29, 2026. Educators, parents, community members and other education partners are invited to nominate graduating high school seniors for one of the nation’s highest student honors.
The state is particularly encouraging nominations of students whose academic and leadership accomplishments may not be recognized through traditional selection methods, including SAT and ACT scores.
Nominations are evaluated on academic achievement, school and community involvement, leadership, character and perseverance. Students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement while managing family responsibilities, heavy workloads or personal obstacles may also be considered.
Iowa offers separate nomination forms for academics, arts and CTE
The Iowa Department of Education has opened three nomination forms for the 2027 program. Each form corresponds to a different area of student achievement:
- General academics: The General Component Nomination Form is for students recognized for outstanding academic performance, scholarship and leadership.
- Arts: The Arts Component Nomination Form covers achievements in dance, media arts, music, theater and visual arts. Nominations may include samples of a student’s work or links to performances and portfolios.
- Career and technical education (CTE): The CTE Component Nomination Form recognizes accomplishments such as work-based learning, industry-recognized credentials, leadership in career and technical student organizations and the practical application of technical skills.
The three forms are also accessible through the Iowa Department of Education’s Presidential Scholars page. Iowa’s nomination process is intended for students in the state; Illinois has a separate state selection process.
Iowa can nominate up to 30 students for federal consideration
The Iowa Department of Education may forward up to 30 nominees to the U.S. Department of Education: 20 students in general academics, divided between 10 male and 10 female nominees, plus five students in the arts and five in CTE.
Receiving a state nomination does not guarantee selection as a U.S. Presidential Scholar. Students who advance as federal candidates are invited to submit additional application materials for national review.
Federal eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency by the federal application deadline. Students cannot apply directly to the national program without an invitation through its established selection process.
Presidential Scholars receive recognition, not tuition assistance
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes up to 161 graduating high school students nationwide each year for accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education.
Students selected for the national honor receive a Presidential Scholars medallion. The program does not award college tuition scholarships or guaranteed financial assistance.
Iowa’s nomination period remains open through Nov. 29. Submissions must be made through the appropriate state nomination form.
Stay in the know with stories that matter — visit HolaAmericaNews.com for the latest news, culture and community updates!
Facebook Comments
