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National Scholars Program

25 Years of NSP

Be Part of the Celebration!

This year, we celebrate 25 years of the Clemson University National Scholars Program — a quarter century of cultivating a community of learners, leaders and difference-makers.

Since 2000, more than 260 National Scholars have benefited from the transformative power of scholarships, faculty mentorship, study travel experiences, and a close-knit community of changemakers.

The heart of the program is, and has always been, its community. As a member of this community, you helped build the legacy we now celebrate.

As we mark this milestone year, we invite you to join us in honoring the legacy of those who came before and supporting the promise of those just beginning their journey.

We have several activities and events planned, with opportunities for you to celebrate your NSP legacy with us here in Clemson or (if you are unable to join us in person) anywhere else in the world.

NSP's first 25 years were made possible by visionary support. Now, we turn to you — our alumni, our families — to write the next chapter for future National Scholars.

Read on for details!

Four photos of students posing on international trips. Text in the middle of the photo collage says, "25 years of NSP."
A group of scholars posing with President and Mrs. Barker

Voices for the Future NSP Time Capsule

What memory defines your NSP experience?

Make a donation and send us an NSP memory or memento you want preserved and sealed in a time capsule that will be stored in Clemson's Special Collections and Archives until 2050! The capsule will be sealed at the 25th anniversary celebration on November 7, 2025.

Make a gift to participate

National Scholars Legacy Challenge

25 Years Forward

NSP is launching a bold new chapter that positions Clemson at the forefront of undergraduate excellence and global leadership — and to do that, we're launching an expanded Natty Cup this year that invites every cohort to help shape what comes next. 

Our goal is for every incoming NSP cohort to be able to anchor their Clemson journey around a pressing global issue of their choosing. 

After their first year, Scholars will complete a six-week international internship to gain real-world experience and build professional networks. During their second and third years, students will design their own Maymester study-travel experience, which they will lead after their third year. As seniors, they will present their work in a public showcase — synthesizing four years of learning, leadership, and impact.

Reaching this ambitious goal requires 100% participation from National Scholars alumni, families, and supporters. 

Follow the National Scholars Instagram page or watch for a communication from your class captain, who will be reaching out to you about how to get involved in this year's Natty Cup. 

A group of students standing in a classroom holding a trophy cup with pride.
Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center

NSP Anniversary Celebration

Save the Date for November 7, 2025

Watch for details about an exciting celebration event at Clemson University's new Nieri Family and Alumni Visitors Center (220 Madren Center Drive, Clemson). At the event, we’ll unveil the donor honor roll, announce the Natty Cup winner, and celebrate the extraordinary community that made the past 25 years (and those to come) possible.