Supporting Young Scholars to Become Tomorrow’s Leaders

NSHSS, or the National Society of High School Scholars, is a distinguished academic honor society, committed to recognizing and serving the highest-achieving student scholars in more than 26,000 high schools across 170 countries. Criteria for membership is based on academic performance and is the highest among national high school honors programs.

Since our founding in 2002, NSHSS has fostered a diverse and inclusive organization of exceptional young leaders of more than 2 million members spanning high school to college to career. Our mission is to honor academic achievement and provide unique resources and scholarships that enrich educational journeys, fuel career interests, and drive community impact.

If you receive a letter or an email from NSHSS telling you about scholarship and/or membership opportunities, chances are you are qualified to be a member and have been invited. Read the information carefully, and then you can take the appropriate action to apply for scholarships or accept our invitation to join our honor society. 

Membership with NSHSS is an individual membership and is not chartered through schools. Being an individual membership is what allows NSHSS to offer a continuity of benefits that extend after high school graduation, into college, and beyond. Because it is based on the individual, not the school, it also means that membership remains with the student even if they transfer schools. It also means that any student who qualifies can be a member of NSHSS regardless of their location. Membership is for a lifetime and is not renewed annually.

Claes Nobel, a member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes, helped found NSHSS in 2002 to continue his family's legacy of recognizing and rewarding contributions to world betterment. He believed the world leaders of tomorrow emerge from today's youth and that NSHSS is a platform for young leaders to receive the support needed to change their world. For the years leading up to his death in 2021, Mr. Nobel was the chair of the advisory board and personally involved in many of the Society's initiatives. He attended member events and provided input on the strategic direction of the organization.

NSHSS has a one-time membership fee of USD $90 for members in the United States and Canada. There are no annual dues or renewals. This is a lifetime membership. Additionally, students are eligible to apply for a waiver of the fee if they can demonstrate financial need. Like most membership organizations, a fee is charged to help cover the organizational costs of fulfilling our mission. Our one-time, lifetime fee covers virtually all expenses associated with membership in NSHSS, including access to benefits and opportunities available only to members of NSHSS, such as:

• Unique scholarship opportunities and academic competitions
• Publications and member-only web content
• Member communications including regular emails and e-newsletters
• Service and leadership opportunities
• Unique outreach from top domestic and international universities
• Unique offerings through our partnerships
• Personalized membership certificate
• Personalized press release for distribution to local media
• Peer networking

Start researching scholarships in advance. NSHSS scholarship opportunities are listed year-round on our Scholarships page. Select the scholarship that interests you to view the essay prompt and begin drafting your essay. A resume, transcript, educator recommendation, and a headshot are also typically required. You do not need to submit multiple transcripts, photos, and resumes. Once these are submitted, they may be used for any NSHSS scholarships you apply for. Once you submit the application online, you will be unable to edit your answers.