The Kansas CTE Scholar initiative is an opportunity to recognize well-rounded outstanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) students finishing their senior year of high school.

Criteria

All four criteria are required to earn the Kansas CTE Scholar achievement. Students should complete the application as specified in the CTE Scholar Guidebook.

Please reference the Kansas CTE Scholar Guidance document for detailed descriptions for each criteria. The 2025 CTE Scholar Guidance document can be found on the KSDE website on the CTE Achievements and Recognition page.

1. Must be a graduating senior with the required number of CTE credits and GPA requirement.
2. Technical Skill Attainment: A minimum of one of the technical skill attainment options must be earned and verified as defined in the Kansas CTE Scholar Guidance document
3. Civic Engagement OR Outstanding Community Service. 

For additional information about KS CTE Scholars, please contact the district CTE Coordinator Barbra Gonzales or your high school Career Pathways Counselor.

The Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors high school seniors who have demonstrated high achievement academically or in the arts; some having to overcome special challenges or hurdles to do so. Starting in 2016, outstanding students who demonstrated excellence in career and technical education were included for Presidential Scholar recognition. Each high school may nominate two Presidential Scholars in CTE each school year.

For more information about the program, please visit the Kansas State Department of Education webpage about Presidential Scholars.

For additional information on the program and awards, please visit the U.S. Department of Education – U.S. Presidential Scholars program webpage.