The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) administers several award programs for districts to recognize outstanding students and teachers throughout the state. 

Nominations for the Presidential Scholars, the 2024 United States Senate Youth Program and the 2024 Horizon Award programs are being accepted through Tuesday, Oct. 10. 

The Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors high school students who have demonstrated high achievements academically or in the arts – some having to overcome special challenges or hurdles to do so. 

High-achieving students who have demonstrated excellence in career and technical education (CTE) also can be recognized through the Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education Program. This program began in 2016. 

The Presidential Scholars and Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education programs are two separate programs and require separate nomination forms. 

To nominate a student for the Presidential Scholars program or the Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education program, a nomination form must be completed and submitted to the address indicated on the nomination form.  

Nomination forms may be accessed here. 

Schools may only nominate two students for each program from their school. 

All eligible students also are encouraged to apply for the 2024 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). 

To apply, students must submit all information on the application (PDF). 

The following also must be submitted: 

• Official academic transcript with unweighted grade point average (GPA). 
• Two letters of support: 
  • One from either the high school principal or a teacher. 
  • One from an adult advisor to the organization or student body entity that they represent confirming the student’s leadership position. Their leadership qualities and personal attributes. 
• Required two written application essays. Limit responses to 500 words or less per response. Word templates are here for use: 
  • Essay 1 (DOC) 
  • Essay 2 (DOC) 
• Signatures of principal and parents. 

 
Please note: Materials received after midnight on the due date will be automatically declined for submission for the 2024 program. 

The Kansas Horizon Award Program offers Kansas school districts an excellent opportunity to honor exemplary first-year teachers. 

The program recognizes and rewards teachers who have served as outstanding representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state during their first year of teaching. 

Horizon Award winners receive special recognition during the KEEN State Education Conference, which takes place each February in Topeka. 

Nominated teachers must have completed their first year of teaching and be starting their second year. It is easy to nominate a teacher from your district — simply click on this link. 

Completed nominations for all of the above-mentioned programs must be postmarked no later than Oct. 10. 

For more information about any of these programs, contact KSDE’s Tamla Miller at (785) 296-4950 or email her at tmiller@ksde.org.