Shashwat Chakraborty, a graduating senior at Chatham High School, has been named one of 627 semifinalists in the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. He was one of 18 students selected from New Jersey.

The semifinalists were selected from over 6,500 candidates expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2026. Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 62nd year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of their accomplishments in many areas—academic and artistic success, accomplishment in career and technical fields, leadership, strong character and involvement in school and the community.

Shashwat’s counselor Joe Barbato noted the range of activities in which Shashwat has participated during his time at CHS: “In addition to excelling in the most rigorous academic coursework made available to him, Shashwat has devoted his time to a wide ranging list of activities. He has served as co-captain of the VEX Robotics team and as a lead builder and programmer for Chatham High School's First Tech Challenge team. He has also conducted independent research at Stevens Institute of Technology, where he developed advanced robotics algorithms involving machine learning and path planning for autonomous robotic arms.  At Chatham High School, he has participated as a leader  in our Computer League, Research Club and National Math Honor Society. As a chief operating officer of CS Base, a nonprofit that teaches coding to students around the globe, Shashwat has grown the organization to 50+ chapters in 15 countries.  He organized a 450-person international hackathon, raising over $17,000 in sponsorships, and was recognized with the New Jersey Governor’s Volunteerism Award in STEM. He also traveled to rural India, where he taught robotics to students with no prior exposure to technology—designing a curriculum, teaching basic computer literacy, and leaving behind kits and training materials for long-term impact.”

CHS principal Dr. Doug Walker said, “Shashwat's achievement places him among the most accomplished high school students in the nation. We are thrilled to see his hard work, talent, and dedication recognized at such a prestigious level. ”

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation's most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields.

Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year's senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America's youth. Each year Scholars are presented with a Presidential Scholars Medallion.

A distinguished panel of educators have reviewed these submissions and selected 627 semifinalists. In the coming months, we will complete final selection of the high school seniors who will be named as the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars, and the names of those students will be announced by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.

For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, parents and students can e-mail PSP@scholarshipamerica.org.