2,000,000
Young Scholars
In Our Member Community Since 2002
170
Countries
NSHSS Members Around the Globe
20
Years
Recognizing Young Scholars
Recognizing Academic
Excellence
NSHSS recognizes high school scholars for their academic achievements as well as service to their local communities. A one-time $90 lifetime membership fee provides young scholars with an array of resources that encourage smooth transitions from high school to college and beyond.
Our mission is to recognize academic excellence and honor the highest achieving high school students, providing them with the resources and network to excel in college, career and community.
Our vision is to establish a worldwide network of high achieving scholars and help equip them to be the next generation of impact-driven leaders in their schools, workplaces, and communities. The Society, its mission, values, and student members embody the Nobel Spirit.
Meet the NSHSS Leadership Team
James Lewis
President of NSHSS
James W. Lewis is President of the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), which he established in 2002 along with friend and co-founder, Claes Nobel, senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes.
Claes Nobel
Co-founder, NSHSS
Claes Nobel (1930-2021) founded the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) in 2002. Originally from Sweden and a member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes, he held dual citizenship from Sweden and the US. Mr. Nobel was a passionate proponent of humanitarian and environmental causes.
Dr. Di Yerbury
NSHSS Advisory Board Member
Dr. Di Yerbury, Vice-Chancellor Emeritus of Macquarie University, is the first woman to have headed an Australian university. She is passionate about encouraging awareness of the value of international educational and cultural experiences in helping young people to develop into compassionate leaders and world citizens.
The Seven Rights
NSHSS Co-founder Claes Nobel believed that youth are 100% of our future. Mr. Nobel encouraged all people to prescribe to “The Seven Rights,” a powerful remedy for Universal Peace, Environmental Sustainability, and Personal Happiness.
Right Thought
Your mind is a dynamic organ. Everything in the universe and in the world – yes, even you – originated in thought.
Right Word
Words are incredibly powerful. Once a word leaves your mouth, not even the strength of 10,000 elephants can pull it back again.
Right Deed
Let Dignity, Honor, and Truth be the noble hallmarks of your character.
Right Attitude
Smile and laugh. Be kind, positive, and helpful to all. Become a good listener.
Right Livelihood
Step lightly on the Earth-leave no foot-prints.
Right Here
You do not have to go to the far corners of the world. Start world transformation in your own community. Start right in your own backyard.
Right Now
No procrastination! No excuses! Become a very busy, active person for World Betterment and World Change.
NSHSS FAQs
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.
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.