The purpose of the Sterling Scholar Awards is to publicly recognize and encourage the pursuit of excellence in scholarship, leadership, and citizenship of high school seniors in the state of Utah.

The Deseret Morning News and KSL Television developed the program especially to focus attention on outstanding seniors in order to recognize them publicly as well as award cash scholarships and tuition waivers from participating institutions. The Sterling Scholar Awards Program seeks to commend and encourage excellence among all students. All nominees are judged equally on the basis of scholastic achievement without regard to religion, sex, political preference or national origin.
 
The sponsors salute the extraordinary development of the talents and ideals of each year’s outstanding scholars.