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Young Scholars Membership

Young Scholars supports bright, motivated middle school students as they grow into confident leaders.

To join, there is a one-time membership fee of $90, followed by monthly dues of $20. Your student will receive recognition, support, and resources designed specifically for learners in grades 6–8 who are curious, hardworking, and excited to grow.

Your fees go directly toward creating high-quality programs, member materials, community support, and continued recognition opportunities. 

Young Scholars is here to help your student grow, every step of the way.

Membership Qualifications

Young Scholars recognizes students in grades 6–8 who demonstrate curiosity, motivation, and a strong commitment to learning.

Membership is designed to celebrate students who are actively growing as learners, leaders, and goal-setters— in the classroom, in their community, and through their interests.

Students who meet five of the criteria are eligible for membership. 

There is a one-time membership fee of $90, plus monthly dues of $20 to access your full benefits and support programs.
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Maintains good grades in core subjects
Shows strong effort and motivation at school
Loves learning and asks thoughtful questions
Reads independently or explores topics outside of class
Takes initiative in group work, clubs, or classroom leadership
Has been recognized for academic achievement
Sets academic or personal goals and works hard to reach them

A Foundation for Lifelong Success

Young Scholars opens the door to opportunities that grow with your student.

Members can:

  • Be recognized for their efforts and achievements

  • Earn scholarships that continue to build confidence and skills

  • Join live student webinars and community events

  • Access resources to prepare for high school success and leadership

  • Get a head start exploring college, careers, and global opportunities as they grow

  • Stay connected to a national network of students, mentors, and future programs

Young Scholars membership lays the foundation for a confident, connected future—starting now.

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Membership Perks

Young Scholars members and their families get access to exclusive resources, opportunities, and discounts from our trusted partners.

We work with educational organizations, youth programs, and academic support services to provide tools that help students build confidence, prepare for high school, and explore their interests early.

From learning resources and summer enrichment programs to parent tips and student-friendly experiences, our partner network is here to support your journey.

New opportunities are added regularly—check back often to see what’s new!

Learn from expert coaches at IMG Academy through short videos and lessons made for students your age. Topics include building confidence, staying focused, setting goals, and being a strong leader in sports, school, and life.

The SMARTTRACK® College Funding StartSmart Initiative provides our Young Scholars families with age-appropriate, professional guidance to help strategically save for, and eventually pay less, for college.

The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program (SMSSP) prepares students for a rigorous high school education with a three-week online summer course and weekly online after-school meetings during fall. 

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes is a two-week online enrichment program crafted for academically driven and intellectually curious students currently in grades 8-11. This program is tuition-free!

From decoding digital influence on mental health to designing purpose-driven research and reimagining education, students gain confidence, college-ready experiences, and a global perspective. The program includes mentorship, research publishing opportunities, and skill-building for both life and future careers.

Young Scholars Membership FAQs

Young Scholars recognizes students in grades 6–8 who demonstrate curiosity, motivation, and a strong commitment to learning.

Membership is designed to celebrate students who are actively growing as learners, leaders, and goal-setters— in the classroom, in their community, and through their interests.

Young Scholars meet five of the following criteria: 

  • Maintains good grades in core subjects
  • Shows strong effort and motivation at school
  • Loves learning and asks thoughtful questions
  • Reads independently or explores topics outside of class
  • Takes initiative in group work, clubs, or classroom leadership
  • Has been recognized for academic achievement
  • Sets academic or personal goals and works hard to reach them
There is a one-time membership fee of $90, plus monthly dues of $20 to access your full benefits and support programs.
Join

To become a Young Scholar:

  1. Accept your student's invitation online via the "Join Young Scholars" button in the top right corner of the website 

  2. Complete the short membership form

  3. Confirm your student's eligibility 

Students in grades 6–8 who are curious, hardworking, and love to learn are encouraged to join. If you didn’t receive an invitation but believe you’re a great fit, you can still join - see the information below. 

There is a one-time membership fee of $90, plus monthly dues of $20 to access your full benefits and support programs.
Join

As a Young Scholar, your student will receive:

  • Our Official Welcome Kit – including a personalized certificate, Press Release, Welcome Letter, and more.
  • Access to Exclusive Scholarships, Webinars, and Events – including sessions led by high school ambassadors, educators, and special guests
  • Connection to a National Community of curious, motivated students just like yours
  • Tools and Resources to help their growth as a leader, explore their interests, and prepare each student for high school and beyond

Everything is designed to help your student feel proud of their achievements—and excited about what comes next.

Visit the parent dashboard login to sign in. Update your profile so you don’t miss any important messages, offers, and information, and begin exploring the young-scholars.org website. 

Additionally, you can 

  • Put your press release in the local newspaper to announce membership to the world; announce it on social media
  • Attend a Young Scholars workshop at an NSHSS member event or attend a virtual member webinar
  • Follow Young Scholars on social media to get the latest updates and information - share your accomplishments to be featured. 
  • Explore the discounts, scholarships, and other privileges offered by Young Scholars partners

Yes, as part of our commitment to inclusivity and our desire to provide the same opportunities for all students, homeschool and online students in grades 6–8 who demonstrate curiosity, motivation, and a strong commitment to learning are welcome to join

Membership is designed to celebrate students who are actively growing as learners, leaders, and goal-setters— in the classroom, in their community, and through their interests.

There is a one-time membership fee of $90, plus monthly dues of $20 to access full benefits and support programs.
Join

Since the membership fees provide for the services of all members, we do request that you carefully and honestly assess your abilities to pay the fee when requesting a fee waiver. An application is required in order to be considered for a fee waiver. Fee waivers cannot be processed over the phone.

Access the fee waiver application.