In 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established by executive order of the President to recognize and honor distinguished graduating high school seniors. The program also highlights students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. Recently, the program extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Over 160 students are named as Presidential Scholars each year. It is noted as one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.

Together, Abraham and Fields have designed a way to connect with communities in spite of the pandemic. “The initiative is called, “Give a Book, Grow a Mind,” and it’s targeted to kids K-4th in the United States.” The goal of the program hosted by these two inspiring young women encourages and requires that parents sign kids up for a Zoom reading session and households have the book mailed to them in late May.

Abraham says “I think it’s especially important to run this initiative this year, when families of low socioeconomic status probably won’t be spending on books.”

The sessions available for sign up are running March 27th-31st.