Webinar on U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education Sharon Miller, Director, DATE Adam Honeysett, Managing Director, State and Local Engagement Simone Olson, Executive Director, U.S. Presidential Scholars Program August 13, 2015, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Background of U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of President Lyndon Johnson to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Today, two Scholars are selected (one male, one female) from each state, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Americans abroad, with 15 additional Scholars selected at large. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. Up to 20 Scholars in the Arts are selected annually. In 2015, the program was expanded again to recognize outstanding CTE students. Up to 20 Scholars in CTE will be selected annually, with an inaugural class in The program is overseen by White House Commission on Presidential Scholars and administered by two-person staff at the U.S. Department of Education. 2

Executive Order By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered that section 2 of Executive Order of May 23, 1964, as amended by Executive Order of September 18, 1979, is further amended by adding a new paragraph (6) to read as follows: "(6) In addition to the Presidential Scholars provided for in paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of this section, the Commission may choose other Presidential Scholars not exceeding twenty in any one year. These Scholars shall be chosen at large, from the jurisdictions referred to in paragraph (3), on the basis of outstanding scholarship and demonstrated ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.“ Barack Obama The White House June 22,

Selection of U. S. Presidential Scholars in CTE Nominations – CSSO nominates 5 candidates within their jurisdiction using suggested selection criteria*. There is no male or female requirement, although it would be helpful to have a balanced slate. Applications – candidates submit essays, self-assessments, school report cards, and transcripts. Candidates who choose to apply and whose applications are complete will automatically become semifinalists. Final Selection – Commission looks at: academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership, and service activities to select up to 20 Scholars in CTE. 4

Key Dates 5 July 22Letter sent to Chief State School Officers providing an update on program and requesting nominations Oct 15Nominations from CCSO due Mid-JanCandidates invited to apply FebCompleted applications due MayScholars announced

Suggested Selection Criteria* for CTE Scholars Academic rigor Technical competence Employability skills Ingenuity and creativity Representative of nation’s economic sectors and demographic characteristics 6

Next Steps Connect with your State’s Chief State School Officer Publicize the Executive Order and alert appropriate individuals of the nomination process underway Visit U.S. Department of Education web sites for updated information: –PCRN – –Presidential Scholars Program – 7

Thank You Thank you for your contributions toward the selection of an outstanding inaugural class of U.S. Presidential Scholars in CTE! 8