The National Honor Society Scholarship (NHS) is a program that awards scholarships to outstanding senior members of the National Honor Society. It was established in 1946 and has since awarded over $12 million in scholarships to deserving students. The program is aimed at increasing college access and student success by providing additional resources to help students and families face the rising costs of higher education.
The NHS Scholarship is sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), which is committed to growing the program in response to the dire need to increase college access and student success. To be eligible for the NHS scholarship, students must be members of the National Honor Society and demonstrate the pillars of NHS, which include scholarship, service, leadership, and character. The scholarship program is highly competitive, with only a limited number of scholarships awarded each year.
The NHS Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships available to high school seniors in the United States. It recognizes students who have excelled in academics, leadership, and service, and who have demonstrated outstanding character. The scholarship program not only provides financial assistance to students but also recognizes their achievements and encourages them to continue striving for excellence in their academic and personal lives.
Overview of the NHS Scholarship
The National Honor Society (NHS) Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program that recognizes and rewards outstanding high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in the four pillars of NHS: scholarship, service, leadership, and character. The program has been awarding scholarships to deserving students since 1946, and has awarded over $12 million in scholarships to date.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, a student must be:
- A senior in high school who expects to graduate this year.
- An active member in good standing of a National Honor Society chapter who has fulfilled all of the local chapter’s membership qualifications and obligations.
- An NHS student account holder, as confirmed by the NHS chapter adviser.
- Intends to obtain a degree at an approved institution or university in the United States.
Note: There are no limits on the number of applications per chapter.
Scholarship Benefits
The NHS Scholarship program awards scholarships to outstanding NHS senior members. In the 2021-2022 academic year, the program granted a total of $2 million in scholarships to 600 students. Scholarship amounts vary, with the top recipient earning a $25,000 scholarship, the 24 national finalists receiving $5,625 each, and the 575 national semifinalists getting scholarships of $3,200. The scholarship funds can be used to cover tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses.
Application Timeline
The application process for the NHS Scholarship program typically opens in the fall of the student’s senior year. Students must submit their applications, which include essays and letters of recommendation, by the deadline specified by the program.
- September 18, 2023: Application opens.
- Submission deadline: November 30, 2023, 5:00 p.m. (ET).
- March 2024: Applicants get notifications.
- April 2024: Trailblazing Leadership Week, all-expense-paid trip to DC for the top 25 scholarship finalists and their advisors.
Top NHS Scholarships to Target
- The NHS Educational Scholarship – Awards $1,000 or $2,500 to 100 students nationally.
- The Prudential Spirit Community Service Awards – Awards up to $5,000 to top youth volunteers.
- The Wellington NHS Scholarship – Awards $2,500 to selected minority students.
- Chapter Scholarships – Many local NHS chapters award $500 to $2,000 scholarships.
- University Scholarships – Some colleges offer full or partial tuition NHS scholarships.
When completing NHS scholarship applications, aim for awards that closely match your accomplishments, ethnicity, intended major, or geographic location. Leverage any leadership roles or community service activities you have as an NHS member.
How to Write a Perfect NHS Scholarship Essay
The essay is one of the most vital parts of an NHS scholarship application. Follow these tips to craft an outstanding essay:
- Tell a compelling story. Share a personal experience that shaped who you are today.
- Focus on NHS involvement. Highlight your most meaningful NHS activities and what you learned.
- Discuss a challenge you overcame. Adversity builds strength of character colleges look for.
- Be specific. Use vivid details and examples for greater impact.
- Show your passions. What drives you academically, creatively, or professionally?
- Explain why you’re deserving. What sets you apart from other applicants?
- Be authentic. Adopt an original voice that feels natural. Don’t just say what you think they want to hear.
- Proofread thoroughly. Avoid typos, grammatical errors, rambling sentences, or repetition.
Follow all formatting guidelines specified in the application, and stay within the given word count. A compelling essay can be the difference between winning and losing an NHS scholarship.
NHS Scholarship Application Tips
Here are some top tips for submitting winning NHS scholarship applications:
- Start early. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm essays and gather materials.
- Follow instructions. Adhere closely to all formatting, content, and submission guidelines.
- Be detailed. Share examples that provide a full picture of your achievements.
- Showcase NHS commitment. Highlight any NHS leadership roles, conferences, or honors.
- Get feedback. Have teachers, parents, and peers review your draft.
- Proofread carefully. Check for typos, grammar issues, and unclear writing.
- Organize submissions. Use checklist to track required application components.
- Meet deadlines. Submit all materials by given dates and times.
- Contact sponsors. Ensure applications are received successfully.
With attention to detail and strategic preparation, you can submit NHS scholarship applications that rise to the top.
Frequently Asked Questions About NHS Scholarships
Here are answers to some common questions students have about NHS scholarships:
When should I apply for NHS scholarships?
Most NHS scholarships have deadlines between January and April of your senior year. However, some districts have earlier fall deadlines, so check with your local NHS organization.
Are NHS scholarships renewable?
Some scholarships are one-time awards, while others are renewable annually. Renewal typically requires maintaining NHS membership and a minimum GPA in college.
Can I use an NHS scholarship at any accredited college?
Yes, NHS scholarships can be used at any accredited non-profit two-year or four-year college in the U.S. You are not limited to certain institutions.
If I win one scholarship, can I apply for others?
Yes, you can and should keep applying for other scholarships even if you’ve already been awarded one. There’s no limit to how many you can win!
Applying for NHS scholarships takes time and effort, but the financial payoff can make the work worthwhile. Follow this guide for the best chance at securing awards to help cover your college costs.