Projects
The Academy of Presidential Scholars supports and extends projects inspired by its members or requested by the public we serve.
U.S. Presidential Scholars Serving Through Synergy
Reflecting the great variety of the American people, the 121-161 U.S. Presidential Scholars selected each year since 1964 show that excellence is possible no matter what a person's economic, social, ethnic, racial, or geographical background may be. Many of the more than 7,500 United States Presidential Scholars, in a multiplicity of careers all over the country and the world, are working together—and with Distinguished Teachers and invited scholars, experts, and practitioners—to bridge differences, open pathways, and apply their knowledge, skills, and connections in projects to inform the public and advance the common good.
Changing the Face of Medicine
Caring people come from every background, and it has been shown that patients do better with care from doctors more like themselves. “Changing the Face of Medicine” is the Academy’s long-term, multidisciplinary initiative to address the social determinants and chronic health disparities in under-resourced communities.
One of our first projects, in partnership with the Perelman School of Medicine (UPenn), is the open access
UpLIFT Guide to Medical School Admissions.
This comprehensive, peer-to-peer guide to demystifying the medical school admissions process is uniquely distinguished by being specifically intended for undergraduates who are from Under-represented social groups and communities, Low-Income, and/or First-Time (first generation to attend college) and their advisors.
Early Learning Resources across America
Our traveling outreach and research project seeks to promote the value of reading aloud to children and bring early learning and literacy resources to underserved communities around the country. While helping children who need help now, it is designed to collect and analyze research data to inform sound policy and programs that meet local needs and to expand knowledge of effective practices for early learning and literacy.
“Falling Man” created and performed by Leonard A. Cruz.
Creative Arts and Resiliency
Promoting health and preventing or mitigating harm, our interdisciplinary
Creative Arts and Resiliency Project
considers the effects of creative arts practices, mindful improvisation, and contemplative practices on the holistic development of mental, physical, and emotional resilience among youth at risk. We draw on the unique diversity and the multidisciplinary talents, creativity, knowledge, and skills of U.S. Presidential Scholars — artists, writers, researchers, health professionals, educators, community leaders, parents, and others — to offer expert recommendations and resources for developing resilience to adversity, promoting health, and helping to prevent harmful effects of toxic stress.
Service Learning by College Students
Partnering with other educational nonprofits, colleges, and universities, the Academy encourages effective social innovations by college students through service-learning opportunities, provides opportunities for students to work on service projects with experienced and supportive colleagues, and offers exceptional opportunities for life-long learning in service of the common good.