The 20th annual program honors full-time undergraduates at four-year colleges, who not only excel academically but extend their reach beyond the classroom to benefit society.  The top 20 students are designated members of USA TODAY's All-USA College Academic First Team; they will be featured in USA TODAY in March and will receive trophies and cash awards of $2,500.

The awards are open to full-time undergraduates of at least junior standing at four-year institutions in the USA or its territories. Students must be nominated by their schools and be willing to be featured in USA TODAY. Schools may nominate as many students as they consider appropriate candidates for this award.

Criteria include grades, academic rigor, leadership, activities and most important, the student's essay describing his or her most outstanding intellectual endeavor as a college undergraduate.