Participating in a Secondary Division course is a significant commitment, where students often must sacrifice summer leisure for academic studies. In recognition of their dedication, ATDP students who attend the Secondary Division during each of the summers following their 7th through 11th grades receive ATDP's Distinguished Scholar award. This includes:

• An ATDP/Distinguished Scholar stole in Berkeley blue and gold
• A limited edition ATDP folder
• The award certificate itself, signed by ATDP administrators

Each year's cohort of Distinguished Scholars are invited to receive their awards at the Secondary Division Welcome & Orientation program in early June. Students who have completed all seven years of Elementary Division (K-6) who are entering the Secondary Division for the first time may also be recognized during orientation.