Florida’s Top African American Scholars Named National Achievement Scholarship Semifinalists

Tallahassee, Fla., September 29, 2014 – More than 100 of Florida’s top African American scholars have been named National Achievement Scholarship semifinalists. The students join more than 1,600 African American high school seniors from across the country who will vie for approximately 800 national achievement scholarships totaling more than $2.5 million.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognizes the highest-scoring students in each state who took the Preliminary SAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test as a junior in high school.

“I am very proud of our students for their academic accomplishments,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “Their hard work has earned them distinction as a National Merit semifinalist and I wish them continued success as they move on to the next level.”

Semifinalists, along with their schools, will submit a scholarship application that provides information for the final round of scholarship competition. The application will include the student’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and honors and awards received. Each student must also have a recommendation from a high school official, write an essay and earn an SAT score that confirms his or her performance on the qualifying test. Finalists will be selected based on their abilities, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Students may earn one of two National Achievement Scholarships – 700 one-time $2,500 scholarships awarded by region and approximately 100 renewable scholarships for finalists who meet additional criteria set by corporate scholarship sponsors. The 2015 National Achievement Scholars will be announced in April.

View the list of scholars at Florida’s National Achievement Scholarship Semifinalists.

For more information about the program, visit National Merit Scholarship Corporation.