Science National Honor Society (SNHS)
America has been honoring brilliant students through honor societies since 1921.
Educators began to notice the need for subject specific honor societies in America’s high schools in the 1980’s. Since then, new honor societies have sprung up to recognize and encourage students in such areas as English, Art, French, and Spanish. Until now, there has been no national honor society for Science.
In this era of rapidly changing technologies and scientific advancement, it is time to encourage and recognize high school students in the Sciences which will be done through Science National Honor Society.
The Science National Honor Society is made up of volunteers who are teachers, scientists, and business people. These volunteers are dedicated to creating a new cadre of scientific young people who will help to run tomorrow’s high-tech world.
Science National Honor Society is a prominent scientific organization that will engender a new group of young thinkers who will be the future of industry, research, and scientific exploration.
Participation in Science National Honor Society encourages leadership and supports a student’s academic achievements in the sciences.
Requirements for Membership in the Science National Honor Society
- A member must be in their Junior or Senior year.
- A member must have and maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average.
- Must maintain a minimum unweighted Science GPA of 3.5.
- Must currently be enrolled in an Honors or AP Science Class in application year.
- Members are required to attend at least 4 meetings a school year.
- Members must complete 4 hours of service per year to maintain their membership.
- All members must attend four local chapter officer’s lecture annually. Also, regular members may give a lecture with the chapter advisor’s approval.
Future candidates must petition for membership in the Science National Honor Society by completing the proper form and returning it to the advisor.
A member may be dismissed if he/she violates the standards, obligations, or ideals of the Science National Honor Society.
Science National Honor Society Meetings
The chapter shall have regular meetings during the school year on days designated by the officers. Or upon necessity, on the call of the executive committee with the approval of the advisor.
The officers of each chapter shall be elected in May and assume responsibilities in June.
All meetings shall be open meetings and shall be held under the supervision of the advisor, or delegated representative.
Additional rules for the general operation of this chapter will be established by a majority vote of the general membership as by-laws.
Each chapter shall determine one or more projects per year.
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The purpose of the projects shall be to pursue the national objectives of the Science National Honor Society.
Each chapter shall judge or host a local science fair contest and/or assist in the creation and/or maintenance of a science club.
What are the key benefits of being a member of the Science National Honor Society?
The Science National Honor Society (SNHS) recognizes students who have demonstrated excellence in encouraging and recognizing scientific and intellectual thought. These students work to advance the students within the schools knowledge of classical and modern science.
Throughout the year, students will meet at general meetings once a month to hear guest speakers and student board speakers discuss relevant topics in science. Members are also required to participate in science outreach opportunities and encouraged to be involved with the society science competition teams.
Science National Honor Society Review:
Science National Honor Society has a general GPA requirement, as well as a different GPA requirement for the subject of Science itself, which is unique.
Science National Honor Society requires service hours, and while that is not unusual for an honor society, it is usually not broadly listed as a requirement for membership.
Science National Honor Society is a prominent scientific organization that will engender a new group of young thinkers who will be the future of industry, research, and scientific exploration.
How to join Science National Honor Society as a student:
The student or parent should contact the advisor of a local chapter. If the advisor determines that the student meets eligibility criteria, then the student may join that chapter.
Note that some teachers may allow a student from outside their school to join their chapter; however, some will not allow this arrangement because of the additional work involved. The decision is at the discretion of the chapter advisor.
When a student is admitted to a local chapter, they are required to participate fully in all events according to the bylaws of the SNHS and local rules in place by the SNHS advisor and/or Chapter Officers.
Science National Honor Society Student Scholarship
The SNHS is now accepting applications to be considered for the SNHS Student Scholarship award. Students may receive up to $1,000 to assist with their college education. Students must be in their senior year of high school to apply.
All applications must be submitted through the online system in the science society official website. Applications that are mailed or emailed will not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Science National Honor Society
How can I start a chapter of the SNHS at my school?
We welcome you to start a new SNHS chapter at your school. Follow the steps outlined on the Creating a Chapter page by clicking here.
My child is homeschooled. How can they participate in a SNHS Chapter?
We recommend the following for a student who is homeschooled and interested in becoming an SNHS member:
They should contact the advisor of a local chapter. If the advisor determines that the student meets eligibility criteria, then the student may join that chapter.
Note that some teachers may allow a student from outside their school to join their chapter; however, some will not allow this arrangement because of the additional work involved. The decision is at the discretion of the chapter advisor.
When a student is admitted to a local chapter, they are required to participate fully in all events according to the bylaws of the SNHS and local rules in place by the SNHS advisor and/or Chapter Officers.
Check the SNHS Chapter Directory for the school chapter nearest to you. Then contact the advisor of that school about your interest in joining the chapter.
Can I pay my dues using a credit card?
You can pay your dues and your application fee for joining the SNHS using your credit card. You’ll find the option on the form.
When will I get my certificate showing that my chapter is an official SNHS chapter?
That depends on when you sent in your fees. We have a print cycle of about 6 weeks. You should always see your certificate within about 6 weeks.
How can I order extra membership certificates, Honor Cords, SNHS Pins?
SNHS items are available at the SNHS Store located on this site. There is a link on that page that connects you to our vendor, Campus Supply. The easy to use order form will allow you to order any of the SNHS items you need.
What are the grade levels that must be achieved to be a member of an SNHS chapter?
The grade levels across all subject is 3.0 in an unweighted system. The science grade levels averages must be 3.5 out of 4.0 overall. Schools can raise those averages if the student body warrants that increase.
Can a Chapter increase the grade levels needed for Membership in the Chapter at that school?
Yes, A Chapter can increase the grades required to apply to the SNHS. Unweighted grades can be raised from 3.5 to no higher than 3.75 out of 4.0. Weighted grades can be raised to no more than 4.0.
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