National Society of High School Scholars

National Society of High School Scholars has supported young academics on the path to college and beyond since 2002, pairing academic recognition with scholarships, leadership development, networking, internships, study abroad opportunities, an online community, and events and conferences. Its scholarship program is a central part of that work: NSHSS and its partners provide more than $2.5 million in annual scholarships, and the organization reports members in more than 170 countries. The society also identifies a significant first-generation audience, noting that 45% of NSHSS members are the first in their family to attend college. The organization serves both high school and college students through scholarship opportunities across a wide range of fields, including academic excellence, entrepreneurship, leadership, literature, medicine, music, STEM, sustainability, and visual arts. Scholarship awards are designed to help cover educational expenses such as tuition, room and board, and campus fees, and NSHSS extends that support beyond traditional college costs to study abroad, summer programs, and graduate school. Its scholarship structure includes open and upcoming opportunities, recipient recognition, application guidance, and a rule that applicants may not win more than one scholarship per calendar year. All NSHSS scholarship winners are also eligible to compete for a Be More Grant. NSHSS operates as a broader student-support organization rather than only a scholarship provider. Its programming includes leadership tracks such as Ambassadors, Collegiate Council, and Fellows; educator-facing initiatives such as grants and the Claes Nobel Educators of the Year program; and issue-based efforts under Be More, including mental health awareness, sustainability, equity, unity, justice, civic participation, and volunteer opportunities. Together, these offerings position NSHSS as a national and international student membership organization focused on recognition, access, leadership, and long-term educational success.