At North Carolina State University, campus life centers around many clubs, student organizations, and extracurricular programs for every student. One student who exemplifies the impact of campus involvement is Jada Turner, a second-year Political Science and Psychology student and member of the Park Scholarship Program.

The Park Scholarship Program is an extraordinary full-ride 4-year scholarship program that began in the fall of 1996. Park Scholars also has programs for under-resourced students, and you can find out more information here: https://park.ncsu.edu/apply/pura/. 

This year, the program welcomed its 30th class of Park Scholars, continuing its legacy grounded in four pillars: leadership, scholarship, character, and service. Since its founding, there have been around 1,300 Park Scholars, inspired by the founder, Roy H. Park, who graduated in 1939. While the program has impacted the university as a whole, it has also influenced the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS).

When asked about the program’s impact on her academic and career goals, Jada shared:

“The Park Scholarship Program has significantly enhanced my academic experience. Whether it’s working with my Park Faculty Scholars to chart the next steps in my career or traveling with my Park class to study leadership in our nation’s capital, being in this program has made me more confident in my ability to leverage my degree to be an effective change maker in my community.”

Jada also highlights her involvement in CHASS:

“Seeking mentorship within CHASS is something I might not have sought out had I not been a part of the Park Scholarship Program. Still, I am extremely grateful for it, as I have formed wonderful professional relationships with several faculty members within CHASS who have been invaluable resources as I navigate my academic and professional career.”

Her experience shows how building professional relationships can benefit students far beyond the classroom. Even if a student is not a Park Scholar, forming connections with faculty members can provide mentorship, research opportunities, career advice, and long-term professional support. Some examples of alternative programs include Alexander Hamilton Scholars, Cadwell Fellows, Shelton Scholars, etc. Jada’s involvement demonstrates that stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and engaging with faculty and programs within CHASS can have a lasting impact.

For students interested in applying, Jada advises:

“Familiarize yourself with the program and its values, and above all, be authentic. I feel confident that the Park Scholarship Program has prepared me for life after graduation. The Park community doesn’t end when you leave campus; it is a lifetime network of peers who celebrate the highs and support you through the lows. Professionally, I feel ready to move forward as a leader, drawing on skills learned through CHASS and the Park Enrichment Academy.”

Because the Park Scholarship Program is a pre–first–year application, Jada’s advice is especially important for prospective students. At the same time, her experience offers guidance for current CHASS students, including involvement across campus, building professional relationships, and actively engaging in leadership opportunities, which can positively impact both academic experiences and future career paths. A scholarship program that can be helpful for both CHASS students and other students in other colleges here at NC State would be the Cadwell Fellows, which is a program focused on mentorship, community service, and a learning-by-doing initiative. Cadwell Fellows is an amazing opportunity for any first-year students. Another opportunity at NC State is the Shelton Scholars Program, which focuses on values-based leadership and personal development. Shelton Scholars participate in leadership seminars, mentorship, service-learning, and enrichment experiences over four years. For CHASS students, this program is especially important because it strengthens communication, decision-making, and community engagement skills. 

You can learn more about the Park Scholarship Program by visiting https://park.ncsu.edu/. Information about additional scholarship opportunities, including the Goodnight Scholars Program, Caldwell Fellows, and Shelton Scholars, is available at:https://studentservices.ncsu.edu/finances/scholarships-and-financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/scholarships/

Written by Jackie Timberlake, Department of Sociology and Anthropology Student Ambassador