National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) and its partners award over $2,000,000 in scholarships annually. You can use these NSHSS scholarships to pay for college, summer programs, international study trips, and even graduate school if you are a deserving candidate.
Students from all backgrounds are welcome to submit applications for these high school and college scholarships in a wide range of fields, including literature, medicine, music, STEM, and many more. Find out more about the NSHSS scholarships and how you may win them by checking out this blog.

About the NSHSS
The NSHSS is a prestigious academic honor society dedicated to honoring and assisting the highest-achieving student scholars from over 26,000 high schools in 170 countries.
NSHSS was formed with Alfred Nobel’s great-help grandnephew’s in honor of the Nobel Prize’s commitment to academic excellence and global peace.
Over the years, NSHSS has grown into a varied and inclusive network of extraordinary young leaders, with more than two million members ranging from high school seniors to recent graduates in various stages of their professional lives.
List of Life-Changing NSHSS Scholarships
From arts and social studies to science and technology, NSHSS Scholarships are available in a wide range of fields. Make sure to check out the following list and pick the one that interests you the most.
1. NSHSS Steam Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Closing Date: August 15
This scholarship was established by NSHSS to recognize and reward students who demonstrate a commitment to and success in the STEAM disciplines. The scholarship is open to high school graduates who aim to pursue a career in science/medicine, technology, engineering, the arts, or mathematics.
2. NSHSS + Lead4Change Student Leadership Scholarship
Award: $2,500
Closing Date: August 31
The NSHSS and the Lead4Change Student Leadership Program are teaming up to give scholarships to deserving high school seniors who have shown a dedication to leadership and civic engagement.
Students who participate in the Lead4Change program will have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, discover their strengths, and put what they learn into practice in the community.
3. NSHSS James W. Lewis High School and Collegiate Global Leader Scholarship
Award: $5,000
Closing Date: August 31
James W. Lewis Global Leader Scholarship was founded to celebrate young leaders who embody the principles to which Mr. Lewis has dedicated his life and work to creating educational opportunities for all, particularly young people who identify with under-represented groups.
Students in their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school and college students who have earned at least a 3.5 grade point average may apply.
4. NSHSS Collegiate Council Leadership Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Closing Date: September 15
In order to be eligible for this scholarship, NSHSS Collegiate Council Members must maintain a 3.0 or better GPA and have exhibited a positive impact on the global community through their service to NSHSS. Plus, applicants must be enrolled in college, either as an undergraduate or graduate student.
5. NSHSS Activism and Advocacy Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Closing Date: September 30
High school and college students who are interested in promoting social, political, or civil change in their communities are eligible for the NSHSS Activism and Advocacy Scholarship. Applicants must submit a 500-800 word essay on a topic or issue that particularly interests them.
6. NSHSS Foundation Business & Public Policy Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Closing Date: September 30
The scholarship promotes majors that teach students about the importance of economic and political aspects in public decision-making and policy development and their application to specific public policy themes.
Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and plan to study Business/Business Administration, Finance/Economics, or Public Policy at an accredited institution or university.
7. NSHSS Innovation in Technology Scholarship
Award: $2,000
Closing Date: September 30
NSHSS aims to recognize and reward students that have a strong interest in technology by providing them with a scholarship to help them pursue their goals.
High school seniors and college students that have a strong interest in artificial intelligence (AI), coding, technology, and more are welcome to apply for the program.
8. NSHSS Foundation STEM Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Closing Date: October 15
NSHSS awards STEM scholarships to underrepresented groups in order to decrease financial barriers for individuals with academic and leadership aptitude and a desire to pursue STEM careers. The scholarship is open to recent graduates with a 3.0 GPA and a demonstrated interest in pursuing a degree in a STEM area.
9. NSHSS Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
Award: $2,000
Closing Date: October 31
Through this initiative, NSHSS aspires to recognize and reward students who have made significant contributions to raising mental health awareness and bringing about good change in their communities. This award is open to rising high school juniors and seniors as well as college students of all levels.
10. NSHSS Performing Arts: Dance Scholarship
Award: $2,000
Closing Date: October 31
NSHSS has established this scholarship for students interested in obtaining a degree in the performing arts. To complete the application, the candidate must upload a video of their work. Students in their final year of high school, as well as those who have just graduated, are encouraged to apply.
11. NSHSS Film and Video Production Scholarship
Award: $2,000
Closing Date: October 31
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must produce and submit a film that expresses their worldview. As long as the subject matter is meaningful and inspiring to the narrator, it can be whatever they want. Rising high school students and recent grads alike are eligible to participate in the contest.
12. NSHSS Visual Arts Scholarship
Award: $2,000
Closing Date: October 31
Awards will be presented to the top finalists in two categories: Photography/Digital Photography and Painting/Drawing/Mixed Media/Digital Art. It is open to high school students and recently graduated seniors who are interested in applying.
13. NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship
Award: $2,000
Closing Date: October 31
Do you have an exceptional talent in writing? These NSHSS Scholarships are for you! You can enter the competition in one of the two categories: poetry or fiction. You have to submit your original poetry or a piece of short fiction. The entry may be any genre of your choice.
Your work will be judged on creativity, technique, expression, and originality. Rising high school students and recently graduated seniors are encouraged to apply for the contest.
14. NSHSS Student Athlete Scholarships
Award: $2,000
Closing Date: October 31
This student athlete scholarship, which has been established by NSHSS, is intended for student athletes who are committed to their sports and achieve in their respective fields. All genders and all sports are welcome to apply.
15. NSHSS Performing Arts: Theater Scholarship
Award: $2,000
Closing Date: October 31
Students interested in pursuing a career in performing arts are eligible to apply for this award. A component of the application asks you to upload a video of yourself performing. It is available to theater-loving high school juniors and seniors, as well as recent grads.
16. NSHSS Performing Arts: Music Scholarship
Award: $2,000
Closing Date: October 31
Those who want to pursue a career in the performing arts, particularly music, can apply for the NSHSS Performing Arts: Music Scholarship. You will be required to submit a short video of your performance much like any other NSHSS Scholarships in the arts.
17. NSHSS Passion for Public Service Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Closing Date: October 31
This scholarship is open to high school seniors who have shown a commitment to public service. Urban planning, environmental protection, emergency services and first responders, military duty, and public education are just a few examples of public service.
All high school and college students are eligible for this scholarship, regardless of their academic level.
18. NSHSS Community College or Trade School Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Closing Date: October 31
NSHSS offers a scholarship exclusively for students preparing to attend a community college or a trade school or who are already enrolled in such a program. For high school graduates who are already enrolled in or are going to attend community college or trade school, this program is designed specifically for you.
19. NSHSS Diversity Scholarship
Award: $2,000
Closing Date: October 31
Students in their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school who have shown a commitment to increasing diversity and inclusion in their school, community, or workplace are eligible to apply for these NSHSS scholarships.
20. NSHSS Emerging Leader Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Closing Date: June 1
NSHSS Foundation’s Emerging Leader Award honors students who have made a substantial and positive impact via their leadership activities and efforts.
Undergraduate college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are eligible to apply for this distinguished award if they have a minimum 3.0 GPA and have shown themselves to be role models for leadership in their schools, communities, and workplaces.
21. NSHSS Foundation Innovation in Education Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Closing Date: June 1
The purpose of this scholarship is to recognize and motivate academics who are committed to promoting educational innovation, growth, and improvement.
It is open to undergraduate and graduate students from the United States and other countries who have a strong interest in education. Educators in graduate school who are seeking a degree in education are also eligible to apply.
22. NSHSS Foundation Eunjae and Grace Kim Peralta-Ramos Family Scholarship
Award: $3,000
Closing Date: October 15
In order to promote cultural interchange, the Eunjae and Grace Kim Peralta-Ramos Family Scholarship has been established. High school seniors and college freshmen who are actively engaged in academic or extra-curricular interests that promote cultural awareness, understanding, and acceptance are eligible for this prize.
23. NSHSS-DECA Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Closing Date: January 15
You must be a junior or senior in high school to apply for this award. Students from the United States and abroad are eligible to apply, provided they are members of DECA.
24. NSHSS Foundation Earth Day Awards
Award: $500
Closing Date: March 15
Through this Earth Day Award competition, NSHSS aims to promote environmental stewardship among high school students worldwide. High school students with a 3.0 GPA or better are eligible to participate in the project.
Details of an environmental project, including how it will affect current and future generations, must be detailed in a written document.
25. NSHSS 18 Under 18 Award
Award: $1,000
Closing Date: April 30
NSHSS is searching for the nation’s most effective leaders under the age of 18 whose motivation has a positive impact on the world. NSHSS members who reside in the United States and have not turned 18 by June 1 of the award year are eligible for this scholarship.
26. NSHSS Virtual Valedictorian Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Closing Date: May 1
What would you like to say to the graduates of the year and the rest of the world as an NSHSS Virtual Valedictorian? It is time to put it out there! To be eligible for this award, you do not need to be the class valedictorian.
The competition is available to all graduating high school seniors who are citizens of the United States of America.
27. NSHSS Research and Academic Paper Scholarship
Award: $250
Closing Date: May 30
The NSHSS honors high-achieving high school students who have authored academic papers for class assignments, such as research articles, unique essays, or analytical papers.
For the essay to count, it must have been assigned and submitted in a high school class, or a current class you are taking. Dual-enrollment students can submit papers from their college classes.
NSHSS Scholarships Application
Select a scholarship to examine the essay question and begin writing your response. Also, applicants must provide a CV and transcript, as well as a letter of recommendation from an educator.
There is no need to send in numerous copies of your transcripts, photographs, or resumes to this opportunity. NSHSS scholarships will accept them after they have been submitted. Once you have completed and submitted the online application at www.nshss.org, you can no longer change your answers.
NSHSS scholarships have a wide range of applicants. Therefore, the best strategy for increasing your chances of winning is to apply for scholarships that are most relevant to you and your goals!
Got a question about your selected scholarship? Feel free to contact Karen Kane Scholarship Director at karen.kane@nshss.org. Alternatively, you can also leave your comments below.