National
Junior
Honor
Society

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) officially established NJHS in 1929, eight years after it founded National Honor Society for high school students. The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) elevates a school’s commitment to the values of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. These five pillars have been associated with membership in the organization since its inception in 1929.

As of today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in NJHS activities. NJHS chapters are found in all 50 states, US Territories, and around the world. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.

As such, NJHS chapters and students are in schools that care not only about student achievement, but also community engagement.

Being an exemplary member/candidate means upholding the 5 pillars of NJHS.

• Scholarship: Per national guidelines, at a minimum, students must have a cumulative GPA of 92.5, A, 3.7 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent standard of excellence. (Each school chapter is allowed to require a higher cumulative GPA.) [T.H. Rogers School NJHS has required the cumulative GPA as a 3.8 on a 4.0 scale.]

• Service: This involves voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation.

• Leadership: Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.

• Character: The student of good character is cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and generally maintains a clean disciplinary record.

• Citizenship: The student who demonstrates citizenship understands the importance of civic engagement; has a high regard for freedom and justice; respects democracy; respects the law for all citizens at the local, state, and federal levels; and demonstrates mature participation and responsibility in activities such as scouting, community organizations, or school clubs.

Scholarship

Recognizing the need to help middle-level students jump-start their quest toward higher education, the National Junior Honor Society offers the annual NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award (OAA). The award recognizes 500 exceptional NJHS students with $500, to be placed in a college savings account program managed by Ascensus as part of the New Mexico Education Trust Board’s 529 college savings plan: The Education Plan.

• College admission and financial aid planning options, including webinars and a mini-website called Honor Your Future Now, which you can browse by yourself or with your family for college preparation tips.

Leadership

NJHS offers exclusive opportunities for members to develop their leadership proficiency.

• “Leadership Is…” Webinar Series

• Leadership Experience and Development (LEAD) conferences, weekend meetings designed to encourage peer-to-peer networking and leadership training

• National Student Leadership Week, an annual celebration of student leadership led by the school and chapter

I pledge myself to uphold

The high standard of the National Junior Honor Society

To which I have been selected;

I will be true to the principles for which it stands;

I will be loyal to my school;

and will maintain and encourage high standards of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship.

NJHS students and their peers volunteer in their communities at the highest rates and make connecting with and serving within the community a priority. The average chapter contributes:

• 650 hours of school/community service

• $1,000 in charitable donations

• 500 pounds of food to local, state, and national causes

• 375 pints of blood

Application for consideration of membership Information