National Merit Scholarship Program
Stored: National Merit Scholarship Program
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | National Merit Scholarship Corporation |
| Top Organization | Department of Education |
| Creation Legislation | Not applicable; a private initiative |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | The National Merit Scholarship Program identifies and honors academically talented U.S. high school students, providing them with scholarships to attend college. It aims to recognize and encourage academic excellence, leadership, and the potential for success in college and beyond. |
| Program Start | 1955 |
| Initial Funding | Not specified; funded through corporate, foundation, and individual donations |
| Duration | Ongoing |
| Historic | No |
The National Merit Scholarship Program, administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), is designed to identify and honor academically talented high school students across the United States. It provides scholarships to support their college education, recognizing academic achievement, leadership qualities, and the potential for future success. The program is well-known for its prestigious National Merit Scholarships, which are awarded based on a rigorous selection process.
Goals
- Recognize and reward academic excellence among high school students.
- Provide financial assistance to academically talented students for college.
- Encourage leadership and personal development among scholarship recipients.
- Foster a diverse group of scholars who will contribute to society.
Organization
The NMSC is a private, not-for-profit organization that administers the National Merit Scholarship Program. It operates under a Board of Directors, with a President/CEO leading the daily operations. The program's funding comes from corporate sponsors, foundations, and individual contributions, with no direct government funding. Scholarships are awarded through a combination of national and corporate-sponsored awards.
Partners
While the program itself is run by the NMSC, it has partnerships with:
- Various corporations, colleges, and universities for sponsorship of scholarships.
- High schools across the U.S. for student nominations.
History
The National Merit Scholarship Program was established in 1955 by the NMSC, initially founded by a consortium of American business and education leaders to address the shortage of highly trained personnel in various fields. Over the decades, it has evolved, expanding its scholarship offerings and criteria to reflect changing educational needs and demographics. The program has become one of the most recognized academic competitions in the U.S.
Funding
Funding for the program comes from a mix of corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and individual donations. While the initial funding amount isn't specified, the NMSC has awarded over $1.7 billion in scholarships since its inception. Funding is ongoing, with no set end date, as it relies on continued support from sponsors and donors.
Implementation
The program involves several stages: - **Preliminary** - Students take the PSAT/NMSQT in their junior year to enter the competition. - **Selection** - Based on test scores, academic records, and other criteria, students are named Semifinalists, then Finalists. - **Scholarship Awards** - Finalists can be awarded scholarships through national, corporate, or college-sponsored programs. There's no defined end date for the program, reflecting its ongoing nature.
Related
External links
- https://www.nationalmerit.org/
- wikipedia:National Merit Scholarship Program
Social media
- There are no specific social media accounts for the National Merit Scholarship Program; updates can be found through educational news platforms.
References
- ↑ "National Merit Scholarship Corporation". NMSC. https://www.nationalmerit.org/. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
- ↑ "About Us". National Merit Scholarship Corporation. https://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/interior.aspx?pgid=341&gid=1. Retrieved 2025-02-10.