NC Scholars

History

In March, 1983, the State Board of Education approved the North Carolina Scholars Program to begin with the 1983-1984 school year. In March, 1990, the State Board of Education revised the program and re-designated it the North Carolina Academic Scholars Program. Again, the State Board of Education revised program requirements in August 2002 to make it more consistent with graduation requirements and promote rigorous academic study. The current plan will remain in effect for students who entered ninth grade for the first time in or before 2002-2003.

The revised plan is effective for students who enter the ninth grade for the first time in or after 2003-2004. Students who complete the requirements for an academically challenging high school program will be named North Carolina Academic Scholars and receive special recognition.

Recognition

The students who qualify for this special recognition:

• will be designated by the State Board of Education as North Carolina Academic Scholars.

• will receive a seal of recognition attached to their diplomas.

• may receive special recognition at graduation exercises and other community events.

• may be considered for scholarships from the local and state business/industrial community.

• may use this special recognition in applying to post-secondary institutions. (Candidates are identified by the end of grade 11 and their candidacy can be included in application forms and/or transcripts sent to these institutions.)

Students must:

• Begin planning for the program before entering ninth grade to ensure they obtain the most flexibility in their courses.

• Complete all the requirements of this North Carolina Academic Scholars Program.

• Have an overall four-year un-weighted grade point average of 3.500

• Complete all requirements for a North Carolina high school diploma.