President Obama recently signed an executive order expanding the U.S. Presidential Scholars program to recognize students in Career and Technical Education (CTE). The Presidential Scholars program is the nation’s most distinguished, governmental honor for high school students. The program recognizes two high school seniors from each state and 15 "scholars at-large" on the basis of excellence in scholarship.
The White House will welcome the inaugural class of 20 CTE Presidential Scholars in 2016. Candidates will be selected by the Commission on Presidential Scholars based on their scholarship and demonstrated ability in CTE programs. The CTE Presidential Scholars program was led by Virginia's Senator Kaine, who forged bipartisan support in the Senate to encourage recognition of CTE scholars.