## About the National Achievement Scholarship Program The National Achievement Scholarship Program is a college undergraduate scholarship program established to honor academically talented Black American high school students. Administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), the program annually recognizes approximately 800 students with scholarship awards. ### Program Overview The program runs parallel to the National Merit Scholarship Program, but specifically celebrates the academic excellence of Black students. Students enter by taking the PSAT/NMSQT in their junior year and indicating their wish to be considered for National Achievement recognition. ### Types of Awards - **National Achievement $2,500 Scholarships** — Nonrenewable awards funded by NMSC - **Corporate-Sponsored Achievement Scholarships** — Funded by sponsoring companies - **Achievement Scholarship Awards** — Renewable awards offered by colleges ### Eligibility - U.S. citizen or permanent resident - Black/African American - Enrolled full-time as a high school junior - Planning to attend college full-time ### Application Process No separate application is needed — students indicate interest on their PSAT/NMSQT answer sheet in October of junior year. Top scorers become Semifinalists, then Finalists before scholarship winners are chosen.