NEHS supports students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance in English studies, NEHS members who have been active participants in National English Honor Society, and who qualify for a collegiate award due to income and/or family circumstance.
The winner(s) of the scholarships will be awarded financial assistance in varying amounts based on the decisions of the Advisory Council. A combined total amount of up to $15,000 will be distributed.
These awards are competitive in nature; members of the Advisory Council of NEHS will evaluate applications.
Criteria
- The applicant must be a member of NEHS in good standing of an active chapter.
- The applicant must be a high school senior graduating in the spring of 2019.
- Applicants must have unique circumstances that qualify consideration for a need-based scholarship, i.e., eligible for free or reduced lunch programs, family circumstances, or other mitigating factors that present financial barriers to higher education.
- The applicant must present evidence of academic achievement in English studies as well as significant involvement in NEHS activities.
- Applicant narrative essay and school official letters must be received by the deadline posted.
Evaluation of Applications
- The Central Office will verify the active membership of the student(s) and chapter(s).
- The Advisory Council members will review all applications and rank them based on the information received.
- The winner(s) of the scholarships will receive checks to be applied toward college or university expenses.
Application Process
NEHS uses the AwardSpring platform for the application process. Please use the AwardSpring link on the AwardSpring Applications web page to apply for scholarships and submit the required application materials, including the requested recommendation and the student counselor verification letters.
Required Application Materials
1. Student Narrative Essay
An applicant-written narrative submitted to NEHS outlining the academic accomplishments and goals the writer has achieved and the goals she/he seeks to achieve in the future. The essay should discuss the passion with which the student engages in English studies and how that passion will be nurtured in the future. This award is competitive, so the narrative should clearly outline the specific situation(s) that qualify the applicant for a scholarship based on need. Highest consideration will be given to those submitting narratives that reflect creativity, sincerity, and clear delineation of need. Include specific information about higher education plans, i.e., college/university enrollment, assumed major area of study, career goals, etc. Outstanding writing skills should also be reflected; poorly written narratives may disqualify the applicant.
2. NEHS Chapter Experiences
Applicant will respond to two questions within the general application portion of AwardSpring that provide insight to the applicant's perspective on English studies.
3. NEHS Chapter Advisor Recommendation Letter
A letter on school stationery from the NEHS Chapter Advisor detailing the applicant’s academic success in English studies, how the student has been a positive participant in NEHS, and how she/he has risen above challenging circumstances must also be submitted.
4. Student Counselor Verification Letter
A letter on school stationery from the student’s school counselor or other school official verifying the collegiate status of the applicant must be submitted with all other documents. It is not necessary to send personal details from a FAFSA; rather, the school official must confirm in writing the student qualifies for free/reduced lunch programs or other assistance, the family circumstances that currently limit financial resources, and/or other unique situations meriting consideration for this scholarship. The letter should go beyond factual information and should include the writer’s impressions of the student’s character and motivation; anecdotal examples of the student’s engagement in academics and NEHS are encouraged.
Deadline for the scholarship application is January 14, 2019, 11:59 p.m. CST.
Please address any questions to nehsapply@niu.edu.
