Secretary Cardona Offers Congratulations to 2024 President’s Education Awards Program Recipients

Graduates from elementary, middle, and high schools nationwide, as chosen by their principals for academic excellence, are being recognized

Miguel Cardona, the U.S. Secretary of Education, has extended his congratulations to the recipients of the President’s Education Awards Program (PEAP) for 2024. These awards honor a large number of students who have completed their education at various levels in both public and private schools from all corners of the country and beyond.

Transitioning PEAP materials to digital downloads two years ago has led to a steady rise in the involvement of schools nationwide, embracing this award during their graduation events.

Over the course of this year, starting from March until June, there have been over 158,000 downloads of the 2024 PEAP materials, including certificates of Excellence and Achievement, as well as personal letters from the President and the Secretary.

“I am delighted to congratulate the recipients of the 2024 President’s Education Award on behalf of President Biden, the Biden-Harris Administration, and our entire team at the U.S. Department of Education,” remarked Secretary Cardona. “These exceptional young individuals embody the future of our nation, showcasing a passion for learning, resilience, and admirable character traits that inspire us all. Education serves as a gateway to the American dream, and these students are well on their way to achieving remarkable feats.”

Established in 1983, PEAP has maintained a tradition of honoring graduating students yearly, highlighting those who excel academically while also recognizing those who display remarkable effort and progress despite facing challenges in their educational journey.

Annually, school principals choose eligible K-12 students for acknowledgment under two categories:

• The President’s Award for Educational Excellence – acknowledges academic achievements within the classroom. Eligibility requires students to meet specific academic standards, including grade point average or other school-defined criteria, as well as performance on state tests or teacher endorsements.
• The President’s Award for Educational Achievement – celebrates students who exhibit exceptional educational growth, dedication, or intellectual development in their academic pursuits, even if they do not satisfy the criteria for the Excellence Award. This accolade aims to inspire and reward students who consistently give their best, despite obstacles. Each school establishes the criteria for this award.

Recipient acknowledgment is conferred by the President, the U.S. Secretary of Education, in collaboration with the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. A recognition letter and certificate, bearing the signatures of the President, the Secretary, and the school principal, accompany the award.

Unlike other award schemes, principals hold the authority to select recipients based on the established criteria. There is no limit to the number of awards that can be downloaded and printed, as long as students fulfill the requirements determined by the school.

Moreover, apart from the 2024 PEAP materials, additional PEAP-related items like folders, pins, and graduation cords can still be ordered from the National Association of Elementary School Principals at https://www.services-naesp.org/peap/t-main.aspx.