A national recognition programme established by executive order in 1964 that honours up to 161 graduating high school seniors a year, described by the Department of Education as one of the nation's highest honours for high school students. It has three components: the original general academic category, a visual and performing arts category added in 1979, and a career and technical education category added in 2015 that recognises accomplishment in technical fields such as engineering technology, IT, health science and advanced manufacturing. Selection is made by the Commission on Presidential Scholars, private citizens appointed by the President. The award carries recognition rather than cash, but it is a strong credential on applications to selective STEM programmes and to other scholarships. Candidates are identified through nomination and test-score channels rather than open application for most categories.