This program is open to graduating seniors at high schools in Utah.
Candidates must be nominated by their principals in 1 of the following categories: English, mathematics, social science, science, world languages, computer technology, skilled and technical sciences education, family and consumer sciences, business and marketing, speech/theater arts/forensics, visual arts, vocal performance, and instrumental music and dance.
Each school may nominate only 1 student per category.
Nominees submit portfolios demonstrating their work; the contents of the portfolio depending on the category for which they have been nominated.
Selection is based on overall scholarship (25 points), scholarship within the category (25 points), leadership (25 points), and community service and citizenship (25 points).
The program is conducted in 5 regions throughout Utah: Wasatch Front (Box Elder, Cache, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, Tooele, and Utah counties), Northeast (Rich, Morgan, Summit, Wasatch, Duchesne, Dagget, and Uintah counties), Central (Juab, Sanpete, Millard, Sevier, Piute, and Wayne counties), Southwest (Beaver, Iron, Garfield, Washington, and Kane counties), and Southeast (Carbon, Emery, Grand, and San Juan counties).