Why Become a Mentor?
Mentorship isn’t just about helping others—it’s also about growing as a leader. As a mentor, you will:

• Gain valuable leadership and communication experience.
• Build your resume by showcasing your commitment to service and community.
• Create meaningful relationships with fellow NSCS members.
• Leave a lasting legacy by helping others succeed.

What to Expect from the NSCS Mentor Program:
NSCS has partnered with Ambition In Motion to provide a structured, impactful mentorship program. The program is designed to be low time-commitment and high reward, so you can mentor effectively while managing your busy schedule.

• Time Commitment: About 12 hours total, February to May.
• Your Role as a Mentor:
  • Engage in three 30-minute conversations with your mentee (via phone, video, or in-person).
  • Offer guidance on academics, career planning, and personal development.
  • Attend four Ambition In Motion workshops to enhance your mentoring skills.

Why Your Role Matters:
As an NSCS mentor, you’ll help shape the future of our community by empowering other members to achieve their full potential. Your advice and support could be the key to unlocking a mentee’s success.

How to Sign Up:
Becoming a mentor is simple! Complete your application by February 25, 2025, and NSCS will match you with a mentee shortly after.

• There’s no cost to participate.
• All training and resources will be provided through the program.

Ready to take on this rewarding role? Click here to sign up to become a mentor today!

Take the next step in your NSCS journey by becoming a mentor this spring. This is your chance to lead, inspire, and make a difference in the lives of fellow NSCS members. Join the NSCS Mentor Program today and create an impact that lasts far beyond this semester.

This partnership aims to provide deserving students with scholarships for this extraordinary program. Through this collaboration, NSCS supports its members in achieving their academic and personal goals by offering them the chance to participate in a life-changing global educational experience. We are immensely proud of their achievements and look forward to their incredible journey ahead.

What is Semester at Sea?

Semester at Sea is a unique study abroad program that offers students the opportunity to travel the world while earning academic credits. Students live and study on a ship, visiting multiple countries during the voyage. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on experiences in different cultures and environments, making it a transformative educational adventure. Participants engage in coursework, field classes, and service-learning projects, gaining global perspectives and skills that enhance their academic and personal growth.

This year’s recipients are:

• Carleena Deforges, University of South Florida
• Valeria Garcia, University of Tampa
• Nicole Heiter, University of Massachusetts at Amherst
•  Nuru Kibare, Kennesaw State University
•  Rowan Kile, Michigan State University
•  Eiley Smith, Utah Valley University

These six students have demonstrated exceptional dedication and enthusiasm, and we are proud to support them as they embark on this incredible journey. Here are their inspiring testimonials:

Carleena Deforges, University of South Florida

Scholarship Amount: $10,000

“When I first heard about Semester at Sea, I remember thinking it sounded like a Suite Life on Deck pipedream, and I hesitated to take part in the program due to the very daunting program costs. But two years ago, to my parents’ dismay, I said, ‘Why not? I can find the money,’ and have been working towards funding the voyage ever since. I cannot truly express my gratitude or the sense of relief I feel from having received $10,000. I had a dream of funding my travels with only scholarships, and the Semester at Sea Fall Scholarship has brought me so close to my goal. Thank you to the entire National Society of Collegiate Scholars team who made this possible for me!”

Valeria Garcia, University of Tampa

Scholarship Amount: $5,000

“Thank you sincerely to the National Society of Collegiate Scholars for awarding me this scholarship that will allow me to study abroad on a trip of a lifetime around the world with Semester at Sea. I am excited to immerse myself in 10 different cultures and learn more about who I am and where I fit in this amazing world. I am honored that you believe in me and are investing in my future. This act of generosity will help me become a wellrounded individual by allowing me to put into practice what I learned in school. During my trip, I plan to give back by volunteering and making a positive social impact in every country I visit.”

Nicole Heiter, University of Massachusetts at Amherst

Scholarship Amount: $5,000

“I am so excited and proud to receive this scholarship as it allows me to travel to new places and experience the world in a whole new way. I am eager to embark on this journey of making new memories, lifetime connections, and obtaining a meaningful education. I am so thankful for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars for providing me with the opportunity to immerse myself in new cultures and learn more about our beautiful planet.”

Nuru Kibare, Kennesaw State University

Scholarship Amount: $5,000

“I am beyond grateful for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars for supporting me, believing in me, and providing me with the opportunity to take on this once-in-a-lifetime experience with Semester at Sea. This scholarship has opened doors to invaluable educational and cultural experiences that I otherwise would not be able to access. With this scholarship, I get to embark on a unique educational journey, traveling to multiple countries and experiencing diverse cultures firsthand. This immersive experience will enable me to be adaptable, enhance my global awareness, diversify my knowledge, and foster resilience. This scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens but also validates my hard work and dedication to becoming a global citizen. I am incredibly honored to be a recipient of this Scholarship, and I want to express my gratitude and appreciation towards the National Society of Collegiate Scholars for making my dreams a reality.”

Rowan Kile, Michigan State University

Scholarship Amount: $10,000

“I am truly honored to accept this scholarship for Semester at Sea. It is going to help open up a world of opportunities to explore global cultures and create lifelong memories with the friends I meet.”

Eiley Smith, Utah Valley University

Scholarship Amount: $5,000

“I am so grateful that the National Society of Collegiate Scholars has provided this scholarship. It has allowed sailing on the Semester at Sea fall 2024 voyage financially possible for me. This scholarship has not only allowed me to reach my financial goals, but also achieve my dreams of seeing the world. I know that Semester at Sea will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am so thankful for this scholarship and the help it has given me.”

These testimonials highlight the transformative power of the Semester at Sea program and the significant impact of the NSCS scholarships. We are incredibly proud of these scholars and excited to see the amazing experiences and growth they will gain through this unique educational voyage. Here’s to new horizons and unforgettable adventures!

The Prestige of NSCS Membership

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) is an exclusive honor society that requires students to be nominated in their first couple of years of college. This exclusivity is based on maintaining a GPA of 3.4 and above, which only 20% of students achieve. Being part of NSCS is a distinguished honor that reflects a commitment to academic excellence and leadership.

Tangible Benefits of NSCS Membership

Membership Welcome Package

Upon acceptance, NSCS members can request an exclusive Welcome Package featuring a diploma, pin, and sticker. This package symbolizes their achievement and serves as tangible recognition of their commitment to academic excellence. It’s a proud reminder of hard work and dedication.

New Member Induction Ceremony

New members can celebrate their entry into the NSCS community with a special induction ceremony. This event is an opportunity to meet peers, share in the excitement of the accomplishment, and mark the beginning of the journey with NSCS. It’s a memorable event that underscores the significance of the achievement.

Leadership Skills Development

NSCS offers a range of programs, workshops, and strength assessment tests designed to help members develop and enhance their leadership skills. These opportunities are invaluable in preparing for future leadership roles, both academically and professionally. Leadership skills are crucial in virtually every career path, making this an essential benefit.

Career Advancement and Professional Recognition

• LinkedIn Certificate: Members can enhance their LinkedIn profile with a membership certificate from NSCS. This credential highlights dedication to academic excellence and leadership, setting them apart in a competitive job market.
• Career Tools: Members gain access to exclusive career tools and resources tailored to help them succeed in their future careers. These resources provide guidance and support as they navigate their professional path, helping to build a strong and impressive resume.

Networking Opportunities and Exclusive Discounts

• Networking: Members can connect with a network of 1.5 million lifetime members through the NSCS memberonly portal. These connections can lead to mentorships, job offers, and professional collaborations, opening doors to various opportunities. Building a strong professional network is essential for career advancement, and NSCS provides an extensive network of accomplished individuals.
• Exclusive Discounts: Members enjoy offers from NSCS partners, including discounts on college necessities such as internship programs, graduate school test preparation, educational materials, entertainment tickets, and travel. These discounts can save money and provide access to valuable resources.

Community Engagement and Giving Back

• Mentoring: Members can participate in the Planning to Achieve Collegiate Excellence (PACE) Program and engage in K12 mentoring programs. These initiatives allow them to give back to the community while developing mentoring and leadership skills. Community involvement is highly valued by employers and graduate schools.
• Community Service: Members can collaborate with the nonprofit tutoring organization Learn To Be, making an impact by tutoring and mentoring students from underserved communities in a virtual setting. This engagement not only benefits the community but also fosters a sense of civic responsibility and personal fulfillment.

Membership Fees

It’s natural to have some hesitation about NSCS’s $97 membership fee. However, when considering the extensive lifetime benefits that come with NSCS membership, the fee is a small investment. The professional recognition, career tools, networking opportunities, and exclusive discounts alone can provide a return on investment that far exceeds the initial cost. Additionally, the leadership development and community engagement opportunities can have a lasting impact on personal and professional growth.

NSCS membership is a lifetime honor that continuously works for its members, enhancing their profiles and opening doors to new opportunities without requiring a significant time commitment. As students continue their academic year, they should consider the myriad benefits that NSCS membership can offer to elevate their academic success and support their career goals.

During my undergraduate years, I became highly involved in first-year experience programs, developing a deep interest in the first—and second-year student experience. However, my college campus experience revealed a significant gap: students transitioning from high school to college were not receiving the recognition they deserved, nor were they provided a support system for their success. This realization propelled me to pursue a Master’s in college student development, further fueling my determination to create an organization to bridge this gap and set these students up for a successful future.

We initiated the first NSCS chapter at George Washington University, holding our inaugural induction ceremony on April 30th, 1994. Now, three decades later, our impact endures. Today, we celebrate 30 years, 300 chapters, millions in scholarships, and our lifetime commitment to recognizing and preparing our scholars for success. NSCS has been instrumental in recognizing the top 20% of academic achievers and equipping them with practical ways to earn more scholarship money, gain access to better leadership, internships, and job opportunities, and become more well-rounded scholars. This is the impact we are proud of and continue to strive for.

As we commemorate our 30th anniversary, we also want to celebrate you—the catalyst for our three decades of impact. Your steadfast commitment to education and your future has fueled our journey. We will celebrate our 30th birthday all year and have exciting announcements for you. Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with these special announcements.

Thank you for 30 years of inspiration, dedication, and shared success. Here’s to 30 more!

Warm regards,

Steve Loflin

Founder,

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars