The chapters of the
National Honor Society, or NHS, are available not just in all 50 states but also at other schools around the world. This inclusion leads to the empowerment of over 1.4 million students.
Becoming a Member of the National Honor Society
The application process can look different at schools even a few minutes apart. Usually, applications will be sent out to everyone or recommendations for members will be sent in and picked through.
You will list your activities, accomplishments, services, and more through a form. You will also
write an essay explaining how you fit the four pillar traits.
It is then up to a committee at your school to decide if you should be inducted. Whether you are a member, a
recipient of a scholarship, or neither, it will be announced to you via email in March.
What are the Four Pillars of the NHS?
The NHS is known as one of the most recognized student organizations for a reason. Although they do focus on your academics, they are adamant about
developing the student as a whole.
The organization prides itself on the characteristics of their scholars. These select few possess the four pillar traits: Scholarship, Leadership, Character, and Service. They are simply what is valued within members. When creating an essay to become a member, or qualify for their scholarship, you will need to recognize these traits within yourself.
To find more information about the subjects below, including their mission, an in-depth view of the application process, scholarships and awards, and other news, go to
nationalhonorsociety.org.
National Honor Society Scholarships
The National Honor Society itself does have their own scholarship for senior members, which you can see below, but aside from that, being involved in this organization can lead to other
scholarship opportunities. This is especially true since the NHS does a large variety of things, including community involvement. You could add to your resume or application to catch eyes immediately.
Additionally, there are many benefits of applying for their scholarship. The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) awards over $2 million to the NHS senior members who have proven their commitment to the four pillars of the NHS. They even offer live webinars to give students advice and help with the
college admission planning process.
NHS Scholarship Application & Qualification
Applying for the senior NHS scholarship can be done in three simple steps:
1. Create an account - You can do this through the NHS website.
2. Get verified - Once an account has been made, it will be sent to your advisor.
3. Complete and submit your application - After the verification process, you will fill out the Scholarship Acceptance application. This will consist of sharing your in and out of school activities, accomplishments, services, and any experience related to the four pillar traits. You will also need an Adviser Certification recommendation and
one recommendation from a non-advisor, non-family member adult to prove you are fit for the scholarship and can share your commitment to the organization and its beliefs.
Remember, to be eligible for the scholarship you must be a
senior in high school, expect to receive a diploma, be a current member of the NHS, meet all membership requirements and obligations of your chapter, and plan to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. college or university.
The Benefits of Being in the National Honor Society
As it is an honor to be inducted, which is where new members are officially welcomed, there are benefits that come along with membership.
The benefits include highlights like scholarship opportunities, additions to college applications, and
grant programs.
College Application Highlights
The
NHS website expresses their passion for helping students become leaders, create new ideas, learn new skills, and positively influence their school and community through, for example, LEAD Conferences. Participating in these things can call attention to your application specifically.
This organization looks notable on college applications because of their overall focus on the whole student. It highlights your character and what you have worked towards to get to that point.
Following this,
service is often significant to college admissions. There are projects you can do within the National Honor Society that pushes you to help serve others. Being part of the NHS is not an immediate acceptance, but it will add on to your resume and could put you ahead of others in the process.
The NASSP Grant Program
The National Honor Society has introduced the NASSP Student Service Grant Program for students to impact their community in multiple ways. They create and lead service projects locally. The grant, which is from $200-1000, is used to fund these youths to make a change.
The only difference in the application process is to complete the checklist describing the difference you plan to make with the funding provided. This process is constructed for both middle school and/or high school students to have fun,
make a difference, bring ideas to life, boost skills, and inspire others.
