National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Announces Suite of New Programs and Services for National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society Member Schools, Advisers and Families for Upcoming Academic Year

RESTON, Va., Oct. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) gathered education thought leaders, professionals and students in Washington, D.C. to announce the launch of new programs and services for member schools, students and their advisers during the 2015-2016 academic year. As part of the announcement, the Honor Societies debuted the theme and elements of its upcoming national awareness campaign, Honor Your Future Now.  

From an expanded scholarship program to online student engagement opportunities, the roll out of these resources will support member schools, students and their advisers within the areas of scholarship, service, leadership and character (and citizenship at the middle level). The announcement comes in advance of a new national consumer awareness campaign launching this month where the Honor Societies will help educate students and parents about the opportunities available through NHS and NJHS that prepare students for college and a lifetime of success.  

"We're excited to kick off this school year with the announcement of our resources and tools to continue supporting students as they become our future leaders and outstanding community citizens," said JoAnn D. Bartoletti, executive director, National Association of Secondary School Principals. "As we've done for nearly 100 years, the National Honor Societies are committed to responding to the ever changing needs of our members to ensure students are well-equipped for future success. The announcement today is an example of our commitment to providing every opportunity for students to grow in character, scholarship, leadership, service and citizenship."

The new programs announced today include an NHS Scholarship Program that will double the total money awarded to $500,000 in 2015 and reach more students than in previous years for a total fund of up to $2 million within the next four years. NHS will begin accepting applications for scholarships in November 2015. In addition, new NJHS Outstanding Achievement Awards will provide 500 middle-level students with $500 each to start their college savings, utilizing college savings accounts managed in partnership with Oppenheimer Funds. This new program will accept nominations in January 2016.

Additional programs announced include:

• College Admissions Support Program: A series of webinars and Twitter Town Halls to give students, parents and advisers the chance to learn directly from college admission officers and get their questions answered on topics including the application process, financial aid and college fit.
• Enhanced Online Adviser Resources: Improved and streamlined web resources and an interactive online platform provide honor society advisers the tools and opportunity to engage and connect with each other on the NHS and NJHS websites.
• Scholarship Search Tool: A customized, NHS members-only online tool available in January 2016 to assist students in their college scholarship search, created in partnership with Get Schooled, a national education nonprofit that aims to inspire, motivate and empower students to graduate high school and go to and succeed in college.  
• State Summits: One-day events bringing together NHS and NJHS students and advisers for empowerment and leadership development beginning in early 2016.

Honor Your Future Now Awareness Campaign

In October, NASSP will launch a national consumer awareness campaign, Honor Your Future Now, to promote the benefits of NHS and NJHS membership for students, schools and local communities. The campaign will raise awareness about the importance of taking advantage of the opportunities available for students early in order to begin building their portfolios for college, a career and an overall lifetime of success. 

As part of the campaign, the Honor Societies have enlisted award-winning actor, best-selling author, philanthropist, youth development activist and NHS alumnus Hill Harper, who is well known for his role on "CSI: NY" and has returned to CBS this fall in the new hit drama "Limitless." Harper will act as campaign spokesperson, helping educate audiences through media, social media and public service announcements by discussing his own personal story of achieving a lifetime of success with the help of the National Honor Society as a youth and how others can do the same through the organization's opportunities and resources.

To learn more about the new resources available this school year for NHS members and to stay up to date on the Honor Your Future Now campaign, visit www.nhs.us or www.njhs.us.

About NASSP

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States and 35 countries around the world. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high-quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Association of Student Councils.

CONTACT: Meghan Amoroso, [email protected]

SOURCE National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)