National Achievement Scholarship Program

From National Merit Scholarship Corporation. $1,000 to $5,000. Deadline January 4, 2027.

Award: $1,000 to $5,000
Deadline: January 4, 2027 77 days left
Provider: National Merit Scholarship Corporation
Who can apply: Open to high school seniors. For African American students. Minimum GPA 3.0. Must be U.S. citizens.
Level: High School Seniors
Where: Open nationwide (no state restriction listed)
Essay: Yes, 2 essays
Documents: Official Transcript, Letter of Recommendation

Last checked October 19, 2026. Details come from the provider; confirm with the provider before you apply.

About this scholarship

The National Achievement Scholarship Program is a prestigious scholarship program that recognizes and honors outstanding African American high school students. It provides financial assistance to help these students pursue their higher education goals.

Essay prompts

Describe your career goals and how this scholarship will help you achieve them.
Up to 500 words
Discuss a significant challenge you have faced and how you overcame it.
Up to 500 words

Common questions

How much is the National Achievement Scholarship Program worth?

Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000.

When is the National Achievement Scholarship Program deadline?

The deadline is January 4, 2027. As of October 19, 2026, that is 77 days away.

Who can apply for the National Achievement Scholarship Program?

Open to high school seniors. For African American students. Minimum GPA 3.0. Must be U.S. citizens. No state restriction is listed.

Does the National Achievement Scholarship Program require an essay?

Yes. The application asks for 2 essays. The first prompt is: "Describe your career goals and how this scholarship will help you achieve them." (up to 500 words).

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