The Mensa Foundation provides scholarships to U.S. citizens who are enrolled in a degree program at an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning. To apply, applicants need to submit an essay of up to 550 words that explains their career, academic, and/or vocational goals and how they plan to achieve those goals. The deadline for submissions is January 15th.

The essays are reviewed by local and regional judging teams, who assess them based on content, grammar, organization, and craftsmanship. Regional judges rank the local winners and nominate the best essays for regional and national awards. The National Scholarship Chairs conduct additional rounds of judging to select the regional and national winners.

The scholarship winners are selected based on judges' scores, with the winners receiving the highest dollar amounts first. Winners are notified by mail and are required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship and registration in a degree program during the following academic year before they can receive their awards.

Steps to apply:

Ensure that you are enrolled in a degree program at an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning during the academic year following the application date.

Write an essay of up to 550 words that explains your career, academic, and/or vocational goals and how you plan to achieve those goals.

Submit your application and essay before the January 15th deadline.

Wait for notification of your status as a winner or not.

If you are a winner, provide proof of U.S. citizenship and registration in a degree program during the following academic year before you can receive your award.

We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Mensa and Junior Mensa Honor Societies. As young people who are already members of American Mensa, you have already demonstrated exceptional intellectual ability. By joining the Honor Societies, you have the chance to showcase not just your academic talents, but also your commitment to service, leadership, and personal character.

The Honor Societies are open to students in grades 5-12 who meet the membership qualifications for both American Mensa and the Honor Society. To qualify, you must meet specific criteria related to service, participation in extracurricular activities, academic achievement, and character. You must also submit a letter of intent explaining why you desire to join the Mensa Honor Society. Applications are reviewed by the selection committee, and applicants will be notified of their admission to the society within eight weeks.

Membership in the Honor Society provides many benefits. You will receive a certificate of membership and be eligible to earn honor cords. You will also have the chance to participate in events and activities that recognize your achievements, such as the recognition ceremony for graduating members. Moreover, as part of the Honor Society, you will be part of a community of like-minded peers who share your interests and aspirations.

By meeting the criteria for membership, you are demonstrating a commitment to the ideals of integrity, intellectual curiosity, academic commitment, and service. These ideals are not just important for success in school, but also for success in life. Through your participation in the Honor Society, you are developing the skills and qualities that will help you become leaders in your communities and in the world.

As members of the Honor Society, you are also taking an important step in preparing for your future. By demonstrating your commitment to service, academic excellence, and personal character, you are building a record of achievement that will be valuable in your college and career applications. You will also be developing the skills and habits of mind that will help you succeed in college and beyond.

I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Mensa and Junior Mensa Honor Societies. By joining, you will not only be recognized for your achievements, but you will also be part of a community of peers who share your interests and aspirations. You will be developing the skills and qualities that will help you become leaders in your communities and in the world. So, take the time to learn more about the Honor Societies, meet the membership criteria, and join us in celebrating the exceptional achievements of Young Mensans.


Requirements:

Mensa Honor Society:

Applicants must be members of American Mensa.
Applicants must demonstrate integrity, intellectual curiosity, academic commitment, and service.
Applicants must have performed a minimum of 25 hours of service to school or community during the calendar year prior to admission and an additional 25 hours of service per calendar year to remain members in good standing.
Applicants must participate in at least one activity outside of school attendance.
Applicants must remain in academic good standing with their schools or make adequate progress home-schooling, and demonstrate academic commitment and intellectual curiosity.
Applicants must submit at least one letter of recommendation from a school teacher/administrator, ecclesiastical leader, or community representative.
Applicants must submit a letter of intent explaining why they desire to join the Mensa Honor Society.
Junior Mensa Honor Society:

Junior Mensa Honor Society:
Applicants must be members of American Mensa.
Applicants must demonstrate integrity, intellectual curiosity, academic commitment, and service.
Applicants must have performed a minimum of 10 hours of service to school or community during the calendar year prior to admission and an additional 10 hours of service per calendar year to remain members in good standing.
Applicants must participate in at least one activity outside of school attendance.
Applicants must remain in academic good standing with their schools or make adequate progress home-schooling, and demonstrate academic commitment and intellectual curiosity.
Applicants must submit at least one letter of recommendation from a school teacher/administrator, ecclesiastical leader, or community representative.
Applicants must submit a letter of intent explaining why they desire to join the Junior Mensa Honor Society.

For more information visit: https://www.us.mensa.org/learn/gifted-youth/honor-society/

Hey there Young Mensans and Parents/Guardians!

Are you looking for a fun and engaging community where you can connect with like-minded individuals and share resources on raising and educating bright children? Look no further! We invite you to join Mensa's BrightKids Facebook group!

This group is open to the public and is dedicated to discussions on topics related to gifted youth. Here, you can share tips and tricks on how to keep your bright kids engaged and challenged, learn about upcoming events, and connect with other families who understand the unique needs of gifted children.

We want to ensure that this group remains a positive and safe space for everyone. Our Gifted Youth Program Committee monitors the group to make sure that everyone follows proper "netiquette" protocols and refrains from posting offensive messages. Please keep posts on-topic and avoid advertising products that are not specifically aimed at gifted children and families.

In addition to our Facebook group, we also have a Pinterest page where you can find even more resources, contests, and activity ideas for gifted kids!

So come join us and be a part of our community. We can't wait to connect with you! Click on this link to join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MensaBrightKids.