16 students selected for Clemson University’s premier scholarship programs

Last week, 16 students from eight states – and one from Brazil – started their first day of classes as part of Clemson University’s two most prestigious full cost of attendance scholarship programs.

Eleven students joined the National Scholars Program, which serves students from all majors who demonstrate a unique combination of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, leadership ability and demonstrated impact on their local and global communities.

The Breakthrough Scholars Program welcomed five new students who demonstrate academic excellence, a passion for research and discovery, an intention to pursue advanced degrees and the potential to be change agents in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. The program recruited these students to remain in their home state of South Carolina to earn their undergraduate degrees.

Last winter, 50 students from a pool of more than 5,500 applications to the Honors College were chosen to interview for these programs. Finalists participated in a multi-stage selection process involving interviews and group activities, while also learning about opportunities available to them only through Clemson University.  

Selected scholars are established small business owners, published researchers, award-winning performing and visual artists and community organizers who have already demonstrated their ability to make impacts on the local and global community.

“Every year, our scholarship program finalists are being actively recruited by other top universities nationwide,” said Sarah Winslow, Dean of the Clemson University Honors College. “Our selection process is therefore designed to help us select the most outstanding group of scholar-leaders, but more importantly – to ensure that those students are able to see themselves achieving their goals here at Clemson.”

After scholars are selected, they receive personalized support to help them grow their leadership abilities, specialized knowledge and experience. As a result, these students are leaders in the classroom and beyond, being recognized with major University awards and nationally competitive fellowships. For example, last spring National Scholars were recognized with Truman and Fulbright scholarships, as well as two of the University’s top three awards to its top students in the May 2024 graduating class.  

Meet this year’s National Scholars and Breakthrough Scholars.