National Honor Society scholarship awards high school seniors who are active members of NHS. The National Honor Society (NHS) is a volunteer based club for high school students. It started in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Their goal was to elevate students’ and schools’ academics as well as create involved leaders in communities nationwide.
Today over 1 million students in grades 9 to 12 take part in their activities. On average, each chapter contributes 1,000 hours of school/community service. The organization has also made about $26,000 in charitable donations.
With chapters all over the U.S., members commit to the four pillars of NHS. They are scholarship, service, leadership and character. These core values are the basis for membership. They may also alter between each school chapter.
Is it hard to get into National Honor Society? It depends on your school chapter. If your high school has a chapter and you meet its criteria, they may nominate you to become a member. Here are the four basic requirements each student must qualify for.
Scholarship. You must have a minimum cumulative GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and grade average of at least 85 or B.
Service. Members must show they volunteer in their school or community.
Leadership. Student leaders solve problems and add value through ideas and actions.
Character. NHS members show high standards for honesty, respect, team work and reliability.
How Do You Apply for the National Honor Society?
NHS student members are eligible to apply for the National Honor Society Scholarship this year. Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:
A high school senior
An active NHS member in good standing
Currently enrolled at a school with an affiliated NHS chapter
Graduating in spring of 2020
Planning to enroll at a post secondary college or university in fall 2020
First, to begin the application process, you set up an online student account on nhs.us. Then, once your NHS adviser verifies your membership, you use your login to access the application form.
The NHS scholarship program is a one time award of financial aid that expires after four years. Selected members may use the funds to offset the costs of higher education. The award may also be used for college, military or trade school in the United States.
The NASSP, the parent organization of NHS, awards $2 million in scholarships each year. Awards go to outstanding NHS senior members. Last year, there were 600 scholarship winners.
1 National Winner – $25,000 scholarship
24 National finalists – $5,625 scholarship
575 National semifinalists – $3,200 scholarship
Why Should Students Join NHS?
NHS members join to improve their leadership skills, give back to the community, and gain recognition for their academic achievements. Besides earning a scholarship, members have access to career and college prep resources as well. Here are some benefits of being a NHS member.
Scholarship Opportunities Being an NHS member in good standing allows you to access the National Honor Society Scholarship worth up to $25,000.
LEAD Conferences LEAD stands for Leadership Experience and Development. These weekend meetings nurture peer to peer networks and also aim to grow leadership skills.
College and Career Readiness Webinar Series Members, their parents and guardians have access to this college prep series. It features topics such as college admissions, Covid 19 and tips for applying for scholarships.
National Student Leadership Week This annual theme based leadership week recognizes student leaders. As a member, you also may be one of these celebrated students or you might test your skills at event planning. Also, chapters may plan a special project to show how their work and positive impact on the school and local community.
College Admission Joining the NHS is not a guarantee that you will get into the college of your dreams. But many colleges do look at an applicant’s grades, leadership, service and character. They are all core values of National Honor Society members.
Named in honor and memory of NTHS Co-Founder, the Jon H. Poteat Scholarship is reserved exclusively for currently enrolled secondary and postsecondary NTHS members in an active chapter. On June 1, NTHS will award 250 $1,000 JHP Scholarships to eligible members. The application is open from September 1 – May 1.
The National Society of High School Scholars offers $1,000-$5,000 scholarships to high school juniors and seniors hoping to make a positive impact on society. Applicants submit an essay, resume, transcripts, recommendation letter and headshot. Click to learn more and apply today!
