Did you know that there are about one million students who participate in the National Honor Society?
And, that’s no surprise. After all, there are many advantages to joining a college or university’s national honor societies as a high school or college student.
These include networking, meeting new people, and making new friends. Also, gaining access to scholarships, internships and college application assistance, and more.
Keep on reading to learn all about the key six national honor societies in the United States. We’ll also cover a bonus national honor society that’s all about academics at the university level.
Table of Contents
1. The Most Popular of National Honor Societies: National Society of High School Scholars
In order to be eligible for membership in NSHSS, students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. Also, they need to demonstrate a dedication to school and community service.
The National Society of High School Scholars is dedicated to recognizing and supporting high-achieving students.
They provide them with a supportive environment. And, it helps them prepare for college and beyond. They provide scholarships, leadership opportunities, and networking activities.
As a global organization, the NSHSS does not have chapters. But, it rather brings together scholars from all over the globe.
They share the same goal of supporting and learning from one another. They establish a worldwide community of high school students. A grant program for educators is also supported by the association.
Members of the NSHSS pay a $75 fee to join. But, their memberships are renewable for life. And, students may continue to participate in the organization even after graduation.
2. National Association of African American Honors Program (NAAAHP)
At Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1990, a group of honors directors from roughly 20 historically and mostly black colleges and universities gathered to develop an honors society for African-American students.
Many objectives of this honor society are aimed at helping students succeed. It includes the promotion and support of HBCU and PBCU honors programs. Also, the encouragement of community service and involvement.
In addition to, the facilitation of African-American student enrollment in graduate and professional schools. And, the promotion of scholarship, knowledge, and appreciation of African-American culture.
There is the NAAAHP Annual Conference. It includes student presentations and activities.
There is an academic quiz bowl, and an “Honors Got Talent” competition. Also, a debate competition, a Model United Nations, and more. They are open to students who join the organization.
Prices for membership depend on whatever sort of subscription you choose. Faculty and employees pay $75 annually, while postsecondary institutions pay $200. Individual students pay $20.
3. Tri-M Music Honor Society
Student musicians in grades 6 through 12 are eligible to join the Tri-M Music Honor Society. It is the only national honor society for musicians in the United States.
More than 84,000 students join more than 2,100 chapters around the United States.
Getting involved in a band or orchestra gives students the chance to do more than just play music. They can also make a difference in their communities by volunteering their time and talents.
This helps them build important leadership qualities that will serve them well in college and beyond.
Students that want to start a chapter in their high school may do so. Tri-M will provide them with all the materials they need to get their chapter up and running as soon as they submit a membership form and payment.
4. National Spanish Honor Society
It’s also known as the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. The SHH is an honor society for high school students who are enrolled in Spanish and/or Portuguese classes. It’s sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP).
It recognizes high school performance in Spanish and Portuguese. As well as promoting interest in Hispanic and Luso-Brazilian studies are the goals of this organization.
For a one-time $35 charter fee, AATSP members may create a chapter at their high school and recruit students as members. If all of this is completed, each chapter must pay $5 for each new student member that joins the organization.
Scholarships for 60 high school seniors and travel grants for 24 younger members of the SHH are given out each year. These total more than $160,000, to SHH members.
A student journal, Albricias, is published by the Spanish national honors society, which means that members of the SHH may send in their work for consideration. Cash rewards are given to students who make outstanding contributions to the journal.
A “Swap Shop” on the SHH website invites SHH members to exchange ideas and build a community of academics who study Spanish and Portuguese.
5. Quill and Scroll
Society of the Quill and Scroll For high school journalism students, Quill and Stream recognizes their individual contributions to the discipline, regardless of the medium. Truth, learning, leadership, loyalty, initiative, honesty, judgment, and friendship are only a few of the organization’s eight guiding values.
Over 11,300 high schools in the United States, the District of Columbia, and 29 other nations have acquired school charters since the program’s beginning in 1926. School charters. There must be some kind of media outlet in place for the students in order for the school to be considered for a charter.
For members, there are scholarships and contests available, as well as the option of submitting material to The Digital Stream or Q&S Magazine.
6. Mu Alpha Theta
High school and two-year college chapters of Mu Alpha Theta have been established around the country.
These youngsters are the target audience for this organization, which aims to cultivate a love of mathematics among high school students and two-year college students.
Schools may use this organization to recognize and support children who are passionate about and excel in math.
Students and instructors from all around the country gather for a national math conference. Connect with others who share your passion for mathematics from all across the nation.
At the College Level: Phi Beta Kappa
As one of the most prestigious academic honor societies in the United States, Phi Beta Kappa is one of the most respected. Over 130 Nobel Prize winners and 17 presidents have been members of this organization.
A great way to get to know other students and academics is to join a fraternity like Phi Kappa Psi. Between 30 and 70 of the most famous members are chosen by the committee each year.
Honor Societies: Unlocked
High school is already a rather stressful time for the majority of students. Trying to become a national honor society member can add to the feelings of overwhelm.
Hopefully, our guide has made it much simpler to understand the main national honor societies in the field, and what makes each one unique in nature.
And, if you liked reading our article, then you’ll want to check out our additional tips and explainers. All of them will be available in our education section.
