NEHS is proud to announce a slate of award, grant, and scholarship opportunities for student members, Chapter Advisors, and chapters this fall. We encourage all eligible participants to prepare early and submit their applications before the October 13 deadline.
Applications open on September 28, 2026, and close on October 13, 2026. Winners will be announced no later than November 9, 2026, with the exception of NEHS Scholarship winners, who will be announced on May 3, 2027.
Promotional posters for all awards and grants are available in PNG and PDF formats on the Calendar of Awards, Grants, & Scholarships page.
Opportunities for Student Members
NEHS Scholarships
Eligibility: NEHS student members in their senior year.
NEHS offers over $90,000 in scholarships annually to graduating high school seniors who are members of NEHS chapters. Students submit critical essays on Dashka Slater’s Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed and a short supplemental video response.
Poetry Writing & Performance Challenge
Eligibility: All NEHS student members.
This challenge invites NEHS student members to write an original poem inspired by Rob Macaisa Colgate’s “We Do Not Enter the Gallery,” from Hardly Creatures. Students must compose and perform a poem that explores a space, community, or experience through the lens of belonging, exclusion, access, or connection.
Convention Presentation Award
Eligibility: All NEHS student members.
The Convention Presentation Award invites NEHS student members to submit pairs of innovative presentation abstracts (based on Dominicana and Mansfield Park) for a fully funded opportunity to present at the 2027 Annual Convention in Milwaukee, WI, for two students and a Chapter Advisor.
Banned Books Poster Award
Eligibility: All NEHS student members.
NEHS student members are invited to design an original poster for Banned Books Week that creatively incorporates a significant quote from a banned book, and visually and thematically explores censorship and the freedom to read.
NEHS Poets Laureate Award
Eligibility: All NEHS student members.
The Poets Laureate Award selects four outstanding NEHS student members to serve as poetic voices for their local communities and the entire Society, embarking on a year‑long leadership journey in writing, public engagement, and mentorship.
Opportunities for Chapter Advisors
David Wendelin Classroom Library Grants
Eligibility: All Chapter Advisors who have not received a grant within the last two years.
The David Wendelin Classroom Library Grants award up to $400 to NEHS Chapter Advisors to build classroom libraries filled with diverse, high‑quality literature—particularly in schools where students face limited access to books. These grants honor the legacy of NEHS Emeritus Director David Wendelin and aim to foster literacy, inclusion, and a love of reading among underserved student populations.
Professional Support Grants
Eligibility: All Chapter Advisors who have not received a grant within the last two years.
NEHS offers Professional Support Grants of up to $500 to help Chapter Advisors attend conferences, workshops, seminars, or acquire professional texts and inclusive classroom resources that strengthen their expertise in English Language Arts and support their teaching practice.
Opportunities for NEHS Chapters
Chapter Project Grants
Eligibility: All active chapters.
NEHS Chapter Project Grants provide funding to active chapters for innovative, student‑led literacy and community service projects. These grants empower chapters to design and execute impactful initiatives that enhance literacy, foster social engagement, and strengthen community ties while demonstrating creativity and leadership.
More from NEHSXpress: October 6, 2026
2026 Banned Books Week Social Media Competition
Upcoming Webinar
Travel Opportunities Survey
PD Opportunity for Advisors
Prepare for the English Honor Societies 2027 Convention
Enrollment Reminder
