The National Achievers Society recognizes academic achievement of African American students and other minorities. This institution prepares and motivates students for higher education. NAS is open to grades 10-12 with a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average.
First year inductees will be rewarded with a certificate and a pin, second years get a red chord and third years get the gold and red chord. Students must fill out an application which includes a 500 word essay and a letter of recommendation. Applications are available online at the Urban league website. NAS allows students to get a better insight of the college experience and what to expect. Every year, NAS scholars go on college tours exploring Historically Black College institutions.
NAS provides workshops that include goal setting, money management, ACT prep, and college talk. These sessions allow students to network with one another and gain more information to be successful in college. Speaking of college, NAS helps scholars build a resume! Scholars can add on to their resumes by participating in community service projects with the program. NAS is heavily involved in the community by partaking in projects such as, Back to school shoes for kids, Weiglas Christmas for kids, Reading children books to elementary kids, etc. Central junior Gabrielle Washington said, “My favorite thing is getting to meet and experience new things with new people.” Another scholar, Central junior, Donavan Washington said, “ I enjoy going on college tours and all the opportunities offered. The program always offers help when it’s needed. It’s a great experience and opportunity.”
At the end of the year students are celebrated for their hard work with the annual sneaker ball event. Here students dress up in their best dress with their favorite sneakers and enjoy one another with food and games. Seniors are granted their black excellence stolls after completing the activities in the program. Seniors are recognized for their academic performance and their next chapter starting in college.
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