This fall, Clemson welcomed eight new National Scholars and four Breakthrough Scholars — bringing the students’ talents, curiosity and leadership to the University, with the potential to make an impact far beyond it.
The two programs recruit exceptional students from South Carolina, across the nation and around the world, strengthening Clemson’s culture of academic excellence. Scholars have access to research, mentorship and experiences that broaden their perspectives, deepen their interests and open new avenues for discovery and growth.
The National Scholars Program creates a close-knit community of scholar-leaders who encourage one another to grow, challenge themselves and serve others. Scholars conduct research, travel abroad, collaborate on projects focused on real-world challenges and learn beyond the classroom, with mentorship and support throughout their Clemson Experience.
The Breakthrough Scholars Program supports high-achieving South Carolina students pursuing STEM fields and prepares them for advanced study through early exposure to research. Scholars build relationships with faculty mentors and gain hands-on experience that helps them explore their interests, develop as researchers and consider pathways to graduate education.
National and Breakthrough Scholars have established a record of leadership and achievement at Clemson that extends beyond the classroom. Over the past decade alone, eight scholars have earned the Norris Medal, the University’s highest honor for a graduating student. Scholars also earned nationally and internationally competitive honors, including Truman, Fulbright, Churchill, Knight-Hennessy, and National Science Foundation Graduate Research fellowships and scholarships. They were also finalists for the globally renowned Rhodes and Marshall scholarships.
About three-quarters of the programs’ alumni go on to pursue graduate study at leading institutions across the country, including Harvard University, Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Cambridge. Others work for leading organizations such as Goldman Sachs, NVIDIA and Amazon.
“These scholars arrive at Clemson having already demonstrated the curiosity, initiative and leadership that distinguish them in their schools and communities,” said Sarah Winslow, dean of the Clemson University Honors College. “I’m excited by their potential — what they will discover and accomplish here and how they will use their talents to make a difference.”
Meet this year’s National Scholars and Breakthrough Scholars.
