Celebrating its 20th year since inception to Cal State University Long Beach, the President’s Scholars program welcomed the newest class this fall.
The program has prided itself on enrolling some of California’s highest achieving students. It selects high school valedictorians and National Merit, Achievement and Hispanic Scholars for the program, according to the program website.
“We want to honor, acknowledge and reward California’s best and brightest scholars,” Director of the President’s Scholars Program Valerie Bordeaux said.
Created in 1995 by former CSULB President Robert C. Maxson, it was the premiere President’s Scholar program in California.
Bordeaux said President’s Scholars bring service and leadership skills to CSULB. Scholars have volunteered over 40,000 hours to the campus in the past 20 years, according to the website.
The program has produced over 1000 alumni since its creation. Two scholars have been Associated Student, Inc. presidents and four have served as Daily 49er newspaper editor-in-chiefs, Bordeaux said.
“This is an important program to CSULB because the impact of President’s Scholars can be felt campus-wide,” Bordeaux said.
Program members receive benefits such as free tuition and dormitory housing, highest priority registration, parking privileges, an annual allowance and special recognition during commencement.
The program is funded by donations from the CSULB Alumni Association and the President’s Associates.