112 Finalists for the Class of 2026 have been selected from 2,260 applicants. Finalists are invited to participate in Final Selection Activities from February 18-19.

The Park Scholarships program has selected 112 Finalists for the Class of 2026. On Jan. 8, members of the Park Scholarships Selection Committee, which includes more than 380 NC State alumni and friends, interviewed 500 Park Scholarships Semifinalists selected from among 2,260 applicants. Finalists were selected for their accomplishments and potential in scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

Finalists are invited to NC State on Feb. 18-19 to participate in Final Selection Activities at the James B. Hunt Jr. Library. These activities include individual interviews, group discussion tasks, and panels with faculty, students, and alumni. Finalists and their guests also attend a reception with Chancellor Randy Woodson and other university leaders. Finalists unable to travel to campus this year are invited to take part in an online version of these events. All Finalists who participate in Final Selection Activities and enroll at NC State are guaranteed a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500 per year for four years.)

This year’s Finalists represent 15 U.S. states and 32 North Carolina counties. Among them are student government leaders, varsity athletes, Eagle Scouts, and Girl Scout Gold Award recipients. They include published novelists, poets, and researchers. They are advocates, editors, coders, app developers, coaches, mentors, activists, entrepreneurs, environmentalists, dancers, musicians, and artists. Finalists include founders of food and supply drives, charity races, and several organizations supporting community relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finalist biographies, listed by state and county, are available via PDF: Park Class of 2026 Finalist Bios

Since 1996, the Park Scholarships program has brought more than 1,200 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 scholarship includes tuition and fees, room and board, enrichment activities, and additional expenses.

Park Scholarships 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. Approximately 40 scholarships will be awarded this year to outstanding high school seniors for undergraduate study in any discipline at NC State.

For more information, visit the Park Scholarships website.