Park News

Park Scholarships Announces 30th Class: The Class of 2029

By Jada Wyatt

The Park Scholarships program at North Carolina State University has named 38 students to its Class of 2029 – the 30th class of Park Scholars.

The Park Scholarships program at NC State University recognizes and invests in students who excel in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Designed to develop these qualities, the program equips Park Scholars to lead and serve throughout their lives—on campus, across North Carolina, and around the world. Each scholarship covers four years and is valued at approximately $122,000 for in-state students and $229,000 for out-of-state students. The Class of 2029 will be the first class to include scholars who are also part of the Stamps Scholars Program. 

Biographies of each new Park Scholar are available

View Park Class of 2029

“We are excited to welcome the Class of 2029 to NC State,” said Eva Feucht, director of the Park Scholarships program. “Their arrival will mark the kickoff of our 30th year celebration, and the inclusion of our first Stamps Scholars is an exciting new addition. Each scholar is prepared and ready to make the most of a world-class NC State education and the investment of the Park Scholarship experience.” 

A Selection Committee comprising nearly 400 dedicated and accomplished NC State alumni, faculty and friends participated in selecting the class from more than 2,500 applicants, conducting application review, interviews and outreach.

Learn about the Selection Committee

The Class of 2029 represents 21 North Carolina Counties, nine U.S. states and Rwanda. Its members include student body presidents, volunteer EMTs, researchers, activists, artists, athletes, and mentors. They are award-winning writers, published poets, Science Olympiad medalists, and regional science fair champions.

This class of Park Scholars includes students who have demonstrated excellence across a wide range of disciplines:

Academic and Research Achievement

  • Presented biomedical research at national conferences
  • Investigated AI and machine learning in public health
  • Explored carbon sequestration in wetlands
  • Worked in labs focused on water quality, cancer detection, bee biology, and cardiac imaging
  • Built prosthetic limbs for children
  • Designed inclusive playground equipment
  • Earned Science Olympiad medals and won regional science fairs
  • Interned at hospitals and completed certifications in healthcare
  • Conducted experiments in protein engineering, organic chemistry, and fluid dynamics
  • Studied antibiotic resistance and clean energy solutions
  • Worked in software development and cybersecurity

Service and Civic Engagement

  • Launched educational programs for neurodivergent students
  • Volunteered in free clinics, hospice centers, and animal shelters
  • Founded nonprofits and spearheaded food insecurity initiatives
  • Led environmental cleanup efforts and sustainability campaigns
  • Built food pantries and organized blood drives in rural communities
  • Coordinated youth voter registration drives
  • Advocated for menstrual equity, gun safety, and mental health awareness
  • Taught STEM lessons to elementary students and organized robotics workshops
  • Served as volunteer EMTs and participated in international aid projects
  • Advocated at the state legislature on behalf of student and community causes

Leadership and Extracurricular Involvement

  • Served as student body presidents, National Honor Society leaders, and team captains
  • Earned Eagle Scout and Girl Scout Gold Awards
  • Held leadership roles in student government, Model UN, and mock trial
  • Organized school-wide summits and statewide student conferences
  • Founded multicultural organizations and led affinity groups
  • Created mentorship programs and supported peer mental health initiatives
  • Launched podcasts and hosted educational YouTube channels

Arts, Athletics, and Creative Endeavors

  • Played in symphony orchestras and jazz ensembles
  • Performed in award-winning musical theatre productions and a cappella groups
  • Competed in a wide range of varsity sports
  • Choreographed dance performances and directed school plays
  • Published poetry and short stories, and received regional writing awards
  • Created multimedia art, illustrated children's books, and filmed documentaries

Park Scholars Excel

Park Scholars have received many distinguished national scholarships. Just in the past few years, these include:

They attend prestigious graduate and professional schools and pursue fulfilling careers in corporate, nonprofit, and public service sectors. Many have also launched their own businesses, several of which were started by Park Scholars while they were undergraduate students. 

Park Scholars lead major service initiatives such as the Krispy Kreme Challenge, which has donated more than $2 million to the North Carolina Children’s Hospital, and Service Raleigh, a tradition since 1998 that leads volunteers in an annual citywide day of service. 

Many Donors Support the 30th Class

The Park Scholarships program is named for the late Roy H. Park ’31, an NC State alumnus who created the charitable Park Foundation which is dedicated to education, media and the environment. The Park Foundation has committed nearly $150 million to support the scholarship since launching it with an initial grant in 1996. This support includes their 2013 commitment of $50 million to begin a Park Scholarships endowment at NC State and a $10.8 million grant in 2018.

Now, thousands of alumni, students, staff, faculty, parents, family members and friends are joining the Park Foundation in supporting the Park Scholarships program. These donors recognize that gifts to the Park Scholarships program are an investment in remarkable students committed to scholarship, leadership, service and character, who repay that investment many times over throughout their lifetime.

The Class of 2029 is the first class to include Stamps Scholars in its ranks. 

Congratulations to the Park Scholarships Class of 2029!