Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I join NHS?
The NHS provides members with awards and opportunities to recognize excellence in service. The National organization awards more than $2 million to NHS senior members who have demonstrated a commitment to the four pillars of NHS and underprivileged students to college each year. Additionally, there are opportunities to earn awards within the association at the national and local level for working in their communities or inventing things that aid the community. Each year, the NHS national organization gives out five Outstanding Service Project awards to chapters that make significant contributions to their communities in the form of construction or beautification projects.
Being a NHS member is not only a positive thing to put on your college, and job resume, but the NHS national organization has resources to help student members plan for college, a databank of valuable advice directly from admissions experts to help guide them through the process.
At graduation active members have the privilege of wearing special regalia/items signifying their length of membership in the club.
What are the requirements for the Red Hawks National Honors Society?
- You must be either a Junior or a Senior
- You must have either completed or currently be enrolled in a minimum of 10 upper level classes during your high school tenure. (Upper level means honors, advanced honors, AP or dual enrollment classes.)
- You must have an unrounded GPA of 3.75 or higher
- Student discipline records will be considered as part of character
- You will be required to have 3 teacher recommendations to attest to your character
- You will be required to complete an application that encompasses all the pillars
Are full-time homeschooled, or virtual school students who are zoned for SCHS eligible for NHS membership?
If I was inducted into NHS as a Junior, am I automatically a member again as a Senior?
How do I get inducted?
- Members are responsible for $35 in dues through School Cash online. (Dues will cover induction certificate, pin or graduation cord, club t-shirt, and club expenses for induction ceremony.)
- Attendance at the Monthly meetings are mandatory. Missing more than one in a row will cause you to lose good standing.
- 15 individual service hours must be completed. You will be given "check-in" deadlines throughout the year to show you are working on this. If you miss two check-ins, you will lose good standing.
- Participation in the group service project is mandatory. Not participating in the group service project will cause you to lose good standing.
What does it mean to be in good standing?
To submit your hours, complete the service hours form and turn it in to the NHS advisor(s) within the deadline. You will also be asked to show your service hours at 2 "check-ins". If you miss these check-ins, you will lose your good standing.
2. You must participate in the group service project during the school year, either through donations or assisting with packing food.
Will I be notified if I'm not selected for NHS membership?
If I'm not selected for NHS membership, can I appeal the decision?
If I transfer schools, does my NHS membership transfer with me?
NHS scholarship FAQ
What does “get verified” mean?
- Once a student creates their account on the NHS website a notification is sent to the student’s adviser to verify that they are an NHS member in good standing. Once verified, the student can login to complete and submit the NHS Scholarship application online. Unverified students will not have access to the NHS Scholarship application.
Tip: Get the school ID # from your advisor before beginning the process.
What does “good standing” mean?
- NHS seniors “in good standing” are active members of the current graduating class who are up to date on their NHS chapter obligations (GPA, service activities, meeting the chapter’s expectations for character and leadership). Students should refer to their NHS chapter’s bylaws for what constitutes “good standing” and check with their NHS advisers to confirm they meet all membership obligations.
What is an ideal candidate?
- An ideal applicant for the NHS Scholarship will:
- Demonstrate a service mindset by seeking out and voluntarily fulfilling needs to help others.
- Commit to learning, growing, and making the most of educational opportunities.
- Take ownership and responsibility as a leader, in title or in action, in school and community.
- Display perseverance, honesty, integrity, and ethical and compassionate decision-making.
What will I be asked to provide in the scholarship application?
- While completing the application, applicants will be asked to:
- Provide detailed information about activities and experiences related to scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
- Request an Adviser Certification from their NHS Adviser, which acts as a short recommendation form and confirms the applicant is currently in good standing with a local NHS chapter. The adviser certification must be completed in the application portal and no external documents or communications will be accepted.
- Request a Recommendation from one non-adviser, non-family member adult who can speak to the applicant’s commitment to the pillars of NHS. The recommendation must be completed in the application portal and no external documents or communications will be accepted.
When are scholarship recipients announced?
- Scholarship recipients and chapter advisers will be notified in March via email. To receive the scholarship, recipients must complete a Scholarship Acceptance Form. Applicants that are not selected to receive a scholarship will be notified via email following the scholarship acceptance deadline.
How much are the individual awards this year?
- 575 National Semifinalists will receive $3,200
- 24 National Finalists will receive $5,625 and an all-expense paid trip to DC for Trailblazing Leadership Week
- 1 National Finalist will receive $25,000 and an all-expense paid trip to DC for Trailblazing Leadership Week
How do winners receive their award payments?
- Scholarship checks are mailed to recipients’ college/university, and made payable to the designated institution in late July/early August. Checks or unused funds cannot be made payable to the individual recipient.
Is the NHS Scholarship renewable?
- The NHS Scholarship is a non-renewable award for undergraduate educational expenses.
Where can NHS Scholarship funds be used and what can they be used for?
- Funds may be used at a U.S. college or university, military institute, or trade school towards qualified education expenses for undergraduate studies. Funds can be used for tuition and fees required for enrollment, as well as course-related expenses, such as fees, books, supplies, and equipment.
What if I have a question that isn’t answered on this page?
- Contact the NHS scholarship committee at [email protected].