Scholarship and Student Recognition Programs

The United States Senate Youth Program offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the American political process. Each year,  two students from each state are selected to attend Washington Week in Washington D.C. The Delegates that are selected will receive a $10,000 college scholarship to an accredited United States college or university undergraduate program of their choice. Learn more about the scholarship opportunity at www.gadoe.org/USSYP.

The U.S. Senate Youth Program application window is August 11 to September 30.

Two student delegates and a first and second alternate will be designated by the chief school officer from each state, the District of Columbia, and DoDEA. 

 

***We are excited to announce Georgia’s 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program delegate***

Congratulations to Jose Tabares of Mountain View High School on being selected for this prestigious honor. This outstanding student will represent Georgia in Washington, D.C., where he will engage with national leaders and receive a $10,000 college scholarship.

Learn more about our 2026 delegates and alternates in the full press release:
👉 Read the Press Release

 

Georgia Scholar Program

 The 2026 Georgia Scholar Program application will open on January 8 and will close on March 1. Georgia public and private school seniors may apply, provided they meet all the criteria outlined by the Georgia Scholar Program.

Through the Georgia Scholar program, GaDOE identifies and honors high school seniors who have achieved excellence in school and community life. Each Georgia Scholar receives a graduation cord and an honorary diploma seal. Georgia Scholar is a recognition-only program. No scholarship funds are associated with this program.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Application: 2026 Georgia Scholar Application

Verification Forms: Click Here

Student Application Guidance: Click Here

Georgia Scholar Webpage: Click Here

 The 2026 Georgia Scholar Program application window is January 5 — March 1. Students awarded the Georgia Scholar seal and cord will be notified by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDoE).

• Georgia Scholar Webpage

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U.S. Presidential Scholars Programs (USPS)

 The United States Presidential Scholars Program from the U.S. Department of Education 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 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. The 2026 nomination window is September 1 to November 1.

• 2026 USPS Nomination Form
• Required Verification Forms
• Student Informational Brochure
• U.S. Presidential Scholars Webpage

The U.S. Department of Education will announce U.S. Presidential Scholars in May 2026.

Please encourage qualifying seniors to apply for these programs. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student's school counselor or learn more about these programs at www.gadoe.org.