About

The mission of the Park Scholarships program is to bring exceptional students to NC State, based on outstanding accomplishments and potential in scholarship, leadership, service and character. The program develops and supports Park Scholars in these areas, preparing them for lifelong contributions to the university, state, nation and world.

The Park Scholarships program is named for the late Roy H. Park ’31, an NC State alumnus who created the charitable Park Foundation, dedicated to education, media and the environment. With a generous grant from the Park Foundation, the Park Scholarships program was established in 1996 to provide a superb educational opportunity for exceptionally talented and well-prepared young people who merit the intellectual challenge of a distinguished faculty and a superior university. To date, 25 classes of Park Scholars have graduated and have built a vibrant alumni network.

The Park Scholarships program provides:

Exceptional Benefits

  • Four-year scholarship valued at approximately $122,000 for in-state students and $229,000 for out-of-state students (for the Class of 2029), including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, travel and personal expenses
  • Grants to fund professional and personal enrichment experiences, such as research projects, service activities and conferences in the United States and abroad
  • Guaranteed invitation to join the University Honors Program for all Park Scholarships Semifinalists

Personal and Professional Development in Scholarship, Leadership and Service

  • Park Enrichment Academy: A comprehensive, four-year program designed to develop Park Scholars’ leadership potential
    • PRK Courses: Weekly seminars for each cohort
    • Retreats: Team-building retreats at the start of the freshman and senior years
    • Learning Labs: Experiential learning opportunities to study leadership and service in the context of state and national issues
  • Mentoring: Park Faculty Mentors work individually with Park Scholars on preparation for undergraduate research, internships, graduate/professional schools and national scholarships

Partnership with the Stamps Scholars Program

On Jan. 14, the Park Scholarships announced its partnership with the Stamps Scholars Program, With this agreement, the Stamps Scholars Program will match all new current-use and endowment income gifts to the Park Scholarships program, providing these scholarships with an important new source of support and creating an inspiring opportunity for donors to see their gifts have a greater impact.

The Stamps Scholars Program partnership begins with Class of 2029, selected in March 2025. The class will include 10 students who will be both Park Scholars and Stamps Scholars, with support for their scholarships coming from Stamps and from NC State. Read more about this exciting partnership here. 

Approximately 38 scholarships will be awarded this year to outstanding entering freshmen for undergraduate study in any discipline at NC State. For more details about the program and recent accomplishments of Park Scholars and alumni, please review the program’s annual report.