Park Scholarships
| Established | 1996[1] |
|---|---|
| Director | Eva Feucht |
| Location | Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Website |
park |
The Park Scholarships Program is among the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship programs in the United States. The mission of the program is "to bring exceptional students to North Carolina State University based on outstanding accomplishments and potential in scholarship, leadership, service, and character."[1] The program aims to develop Park Scholars in these four tenets with the goal being preparing for lifelong contributions to the campus, state, nation, and world.
The Park Scholarships are named for the late Roy H. Park ’31, an NC State alumnus who endowed the Park Foundation, dedicated to education, media, and the environment. With a grant from the Park Foundation, the Park Scholarships program was established in 1996 "to provide a superb educational opportunity for exceptionally talented and well-prepared young men and women who merit the intellectual challenge of a distinguished faculty and a superior university."[1] Approximately 35 scholarships are awarded each year to high school seniors for undergraduate study in any discipline at NC State.
History
Scholarship Provisions
Benefits
The following are the benefits offered by the Park Scholarships program to recipients, according to its website:[1]
- Four-year scholarship valued at $100,000 in-state and $175,000 out-of-state, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, travel, and personal expenses
- Computer stipend
- Grants to fund professional and personal enrichment experiences, such as research projects, service activities, and conferences in the United States and abroad
- Early course registration
- Guaranteed invitation to join the University Scholars Program for all Park Scholarships finalists
Personal and Professional Development
Park Scholars are offered the following personal and professional development:[1]
- Mentoring: Park Faculty Mentors work individually with Park Scholars on preparation for undergraduate research, internships, graduate/professional schools, and national scholarships
- First-Year Seminar: Weekly seminar during the first year featuring distinguished guests, including former North Carolina Governor James Hunt and outstanding NC State faculty
- Retreats: Leadership retreats held at sites such as Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountain National Parks
- Learning Labs: Experiential learning opportunities to study leadership in the context of state and national issues
- Leadership Academy: A half-day institute featuring speakers and activities to enhance leadership abilities, self-awareness, and character
- Civic Engagement Initiatives: Projects with community agencies to develop strategies and implement solutions for issues such as homelessness and domestic violence
Application and Selection
The selection process for the Park Scholarship is competitive. Out of nearly 2,000 applicants, about 35 high school seniors will be selected as Park Scholars for the Class of 2020.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Park Scholarships, candidates must be United States citizens (permanent residents are not eligible) and be applying for fall, freshman admission into a baccalaureate program at NC State. Successful applicants exhibit outstanding accomplishment and potential in the four tenets of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
Application Process
Interested students may apply for the Park Scholarships Program in the Fall of their senior year of high school. Students must either be endorsed by their high school (October 1 deadline) or self endorse (October 25 deadline) to apply. Endorsed students may complete the Park Scholarships application supplement while applying for undergraduate admission to NC State.
Selection Process
Applications are evaluated on the basis of accomplishment and potential in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Of the almost 1,700 applicants for the Class of 2018, 286 Semifinalists were interviewed in January. Of these 286 Semifinalists, 105 were identified as Finalists and interviewed during Finalist Weekend at NC State in February. 41 Finalists were selected as Park Scholars for the Class of 2018. All Finalists who did not receive the Park Scholarship were offered a $10,000 scholarship provided by NC State.