NSHSS Foundation: Pathfinder Scholarship- Community College or Two-Year Degrees

Award:

Two (2) $5,000 awards

Eligibility:

High school seniors graduating in 2027

Minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA

Must enroll at an accredited college or university

Scholarship Details:

The Pathfinder Scholarship

Some students follow a map. Pathfinders draw their own.

The Pathfinder Scholarship is the NSHSS Foundation's flagship award for outstanding students from all backgrounds who are forging their own path. The Foundation invests in future leaders whose careers will fuel the global economy, spark innovation and creativity, or bring strong ethics to the decisions that shape our world. Whether you're headed to a four-year university or starting at a community college, your goals belong here.

Two ways to win:

Four-year college or university: two students will each receive a one-time $10,000 award.

Community college or two-year associate degree program: two students will each receive a one-time $5,000 award.

Apply here if you plan to attend a Community College or pursue a two-year degree program.

Awards are paid directly to the recipient’s college or university.

Who can apply:

High school seniors graduating in 2027
Minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA
Must enroll at an accredited college or university
Students in certificate, trade, or apprenticeship programs should apply for the Makers & Builders Award.
U.S. citizenship is not required. Awards can be used at any accredited college or university in the U.S. or abroad.
You may apply for both Pathfinder and Makers & Builders, but you can win only one award per year.
Any major, any background, any starting point
NSHSS membership is not required

What we look for:

Academic achievement: your GPA, course rigor, and recognition you've earned
Financial need: a factor in scoring, but not required to apply
Your story: where you're going, why it matters, and how you plan to get there
Recommendations: what a teacher, counselor, employer, or mentor says about you

If you’re selected:

Recipients must upload proof of enrollment from their college or university before funds are released.
If you don’t enroll or you defer, award is forfeited will be held for one semester before it is forfeited.
Recipients will be asked for a color headshot for publicity.

Your path is yours to build. The NSHSS Foundation is here to help you build it, and to welcome you into a community where you belong.

Application Requirements:

1 or 2 letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, employer, or mentor

Essay: Pathfinders draw their own map. Tell us about the path you’re forging. Where are you headed, what’s driving you, and what difference do you hope to make along the way? (500–800 words)

- As you write, consider:

- Where are you going? Describe your goal and the steps you plan to take to reach it.

- Why this path? Share the experiences, people, or moments that set you in this direction.

- What impact will it have? Explain how your path could help fuel the economy, spark innovation and creativity, or bring strong ethics to the decisions that shape our world.

Academic resume

Unofficial transcript (to verify GPA and course rigor)

Financial need documents (optional)

Financial need is not required to apply, but it is a factor in scoring. If you'd like your financial need to be considered, upload one of the following:

FAFSA Submission Summary

Parent or guardian federal tax return (Form 1040), the pages showing adjusted gross income and dependents

A current benefits letter showing household participation in SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, WIC, or free/reduced-price school lunch

Counselor Verification of Need form, completed by your school counselor or another school or community professional (use this if you can’t submit any of the documents above, including if your family doesn’t file taxes)

Before you upload: black out all Social Security numbers and bank account details on any tax return or financial document.

Applicants who don’t submit financial documents remain eligible but receive no points for financial need.