Thirteen students nationwide were selected for Clemson University’s two premier scholarship programs.
This year’s class represents a broad spectrum of interests, from students drawn to biochemistry and biomedical engineering to those pursuing psychology, nursing, political science and theatre.
This year’s scholars represent the best of what the Honors College stands for: intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary engagement, and a commitment to leadership and service. These students are not only academically exceptional; they are also deeply invested in tackling real-world challenges through collaboration, creativity, and critical inquiry. We are proud to welcome them into a community that will both support and stretch them as they grow as scholars and leaders of impact.
SARAH WINSLOW, DEAN OF THE CLEMSON UNIVERSITY HONORS COLLEGE
Nine 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 four students whose academic excellence, passion for discovery and plans to pursue advanced degrees position them as future STEM leaders. By recruiting these scholars to remain in South Carolina for their undergraduate studies, the program helps strengthen the state’s pipeline of talent in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Scholars were chosen from more than 6,000 applications to the Honors College. Last spring, 42 finalists participated in a multi-stage selection process involving interviews and group activities.
After scholars are selected, they receive personalized support to develop their leadership skills and deepen their academic experience. This preparation equips them to excel in the classroom and beyond, resulting in many scholars earning major University awards and nationally competitive fellowships.
Their success was evident last May, when National and Breakthrough Scholars received all three of the University’s top awards for graduating students. Scholars were also finalists for the prestigious Rhodes, Marshall and Fulbright awards, and a National Scholar became Clemson’s first Boren Scholar since 2018.
The impact of these programs also extends beyond undergraduate study, with nearly three-quarters of alumni from the National Scholars and Breakthrough Scholars programs earning graduate degrees, half of which are doctorates in fields ranging from law and medicine to engineering and the humanities. This year’s incoming scholars join that tradition of academic excellence and are poised to make their own mark on campus and beyond.
Meet this year’s National Scholars and Breakthrough Scholars.
