• National Recognition Programs

    The College Board National Recognition Programs celebrate the academic excellence of students from historically underrepresented communities. These prestigious awards help students stand out in the college admissions process by connecting them with universities and scholarship opportunities nationwide.

    Students who earn this recognition will receive an official certificate and have their achievement shared with colleges and scholarship organizations.

     

    Award Categories

    Eligible students may be recognized in one or more of the following categories:

    • National African American Recognition Award (NAARA)
    • National Hispanic Recognition Award (NHRA)
    • National Indigenous Recognition Award (NIRA)
    • National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award (NRSTA)

     

    Who’s Eligible?

    To qualify, students must:

    • Take eligible College Board assessments (PSAT/NMSQT in 10th or 11th grade, or eligible AP exams)
    • Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher (unweighted)
    • Identify as one or more of the following:
      • African American or Black
      • Hispanic or Latino
      • Indigenous or Native (including Alaska Native or Native American)
      • Attend a high school in a rural area or small town (as defined by NCES)

     

    When & How to Qualify

    • Recognition is available to 10th-grade students (rising juniors) and 11th-grade students (rising seniors)
    • No separate application is required
    • Eligible students will be notified by email from College Board, typically in the late summer before their junior or senior year

     

    Why It Matters

    Being selected for a National Recognition Program is a valuable addition to college applications and helps students gain visibility among colleges and scholarship providers actively seeking diverse, high-achieving students.