2011 Race to the Top challenge open

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama opened the applications period for U.S. schools Tuesday for the 2011 Race to the Top Commencement Challenge.

First prize is the president as the commencement speaker, the White House said.

"I'm looking for the school that's doing the best job of preparing students for college and careers," the president said, "The winning school will understand that their number one priority is making sure that our kids are learning what they need to succeed in this 21st century economy."

Applications must be in by 11:59 p.m. EST, Friday, Feb. 25. The application includes essay questions and statistical data on schools.

More than 1,000 schools applied last year. The winner was Kalamazoo Central High in Michigan.