National Achievers Society Spotlight
Through the National Achievers Society, students and their families find themselves engaged in monthly enrichment activities, college campus visits, brain bowl competitions, academic skills workshop, leadership development, community service projects and career exploration modules to name a few.
PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM IN 2-3 SENTENCES.
Formally known as the McKnight Achievers Society and funded by the Florida Education Fund, the National Achievers Society (NAS) was established to encourage underserved students in kindergarten through grade 12 to excel in all pursuits. The chief intent is to develop a group achievement modality among its members that rewards and focuses on the importance of academic excellence and a strong community-centered work ethic, while reducing the negative peer pressure associated with academic achievement. Students interested in the program can enroll as early as 4th grade.
WHY IS THIS PROGRAM IMPORTANT?
100% of NAS seniors graduate from high school and 95% of NAS graduates enroll in institutions of higher learning. The program helps local students develop a sense of achievement and pride that has turned learners into leaders because of consistently upholding expectations and personal accountability. This includes incorporating the African American church as an integral resource for achievers and their parents/guardians.
WHAT GAP WOULD EXIST WITHOUT YOUR PROGRAM?
NAS identifies, acknowledges, and prepares students for higher education, while also helping students explore career pathways beginning as early as the 4th grade. This program supports the educational ecosystem by providing early exposure to post-secondary education and helps to provide a seamless pathway for students to complete their entire educational journey while staying closer to home.
HOW DOES THIS PROGRAM SUPPORT COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS FOR STUDENTS IN PARRAMORE?
Through the National Achievers Society, UCF chapter, eligible Parramore students and their families find themselves engaged in monthly enrichment activities, college campus visits, brain bowl competitions, leadership development, community service projects, career exploration modules and more. The program also offers active participants a variety of scholarships, including the Academic Enrichment Award. This award covers tuition and fees at the University of Central Florida for a total of 8 semesters or a 2-year (4 semester) award for NAS students who complete an Associate of Arts (A.A). at Valencia College or Seminole State College.
The NAS spring application (submission deadline 3/17/23) and more details can be found online at www.sos.sdes.ucf.edu/nas/.