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Students in the Class of 2011 line up during their retreat at Black Mountain, NC.

The Park Scholarship

With the splendid vision and significant financial commitment of the Park Foundation of Ithaca, New York, the Park Scholarships program was established in 1996 at NC State University. The Park Scholarships provides a superb educational opportunity for exceptionally talented and well-prepared young men and women to develop leadership skills and civic awareness. The scholarship also includes the full cost of education, related expenses, and enrichment activities. For more information, please download a summary of the Park Scholarship (pdf).

The Park Scholarship provides:

Exceptional Benefits

  • A four-year scholarship ($80,000 in-state, $135,000 out-of-state) covering tuition & fees, room & board, books & supplies, and travel and personal expenses.
  • A $2,200 stipend toward the purchase of a top-of-the-line computer specific to your major.
  • Availability of grants to conduct research or artistic projects, and for international experiences.
  • Opportunities to study abroad with alumni-funded travel grants.
  • Early registration for NC State courses, prior to other undergraduates.
  • Guaranteed invitation to join the University Scholars Program for all Park Scholarships finalists.

Professional Development in Scholarship, Leadership, and Service

  • Mentoring: One-on-one guidance from a faculty mentor with similar interests to your own.
  • Freshman Seminar: Engaging, weekly discussions with distinguished speakers, including past N.C. Governor Jim Hunt and corporate leaders such as a vice president of Sears .
  • Retreats: Visits to the N.C. Mountains and national parks, such as the Grand Canyon for community-building activities and personal reflection.
  • Field Learning Experiences: Out-of classroom studies in N.C. and Washington, D.C., of major issues affecting the state and nation, including town meetings and private audiences with leaders such as Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia or Rep. David Price (D-NC).
  • Speaker Series: Audiences with renowned speakers, including Pulitzer Prize winning, New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, who recently visited to discuss the crisis in Darfur.
  • Leadership Academy: A two-day institute featuring speakers and activities to enhance leadership abilities, self-awareness, and character.
  • Service Raleigh: A citywide day of service started by Park Scholars in 1998; students organize 2,000 volunteers to work with over 40 agencies across Raleigh.
  • Community Service Projects: Resources and instruction for developing projects that will make a significant impact.