Reflecting Cornell's national enrollment, Meinig Family National Scholars come from across the United States and represent all seven of the university's undergraduate colleges. What they share is a history of achievement as leaders in school and community activities that complement their academic credentials, setting them apart even among their peers at Cornell.
The program enriches the undergraduate experience in significant ways. National Scholars receive a financial award annually, are eligible for special stipends for sponsored activities such as summer internships, and are mentored by Cornell administrators and alumni. Also important, the scholars say, is what they learn from one another -- setting goals, developing strategy, and sharing insights.
The National Scholars program was established at Cornell in 1944. An endowment created in 1998 by Nancy Schlegel Meinig '62 and Peter Meinig '61, now allows about two hundred undergraduates to participate. National Scholars receive up to $4,000 per year to replace need-based student loans, depending on financial aid eligibility. Expenses incurred during the summer may make it difficult to meet Cornell's savings expectation from summer earnings. Students who participate in a program-sponsored internship are able to apply for limited ESRs to help off-set these costs. ESRs are available on a first-come/first serve basis to students who are financial aid eligible.
The Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars is part of The Cornell Commitment, which includes The Cornell Tradition and the Hunter R. Rawlings III Cornell Presidential Research Scholars. Each has its own focus - leadership, service, or research - but all three programs provide extra support and an enriched experience for especially talented and dedicated students. The Cornell Commitment recognizes, rewards, and encourages further development of a select group of students who exemplify Cornell's commitment to academic excellence, work and service, research and discovery, and leadership and learning and in so doing enriches their experience at Cornell and beyond. The National Scholars program is selective, yet egalitarian. Yes, scholars must have outstanding credentials, but the program is geared toward outreach and inclusion. Scholars promote and engage in community service projects, participate in peer advisory groups, and actively engage other students in projects.
The National Scholars program continues to pay dividends after graduation. Skills honed at Cornell help National Scholars land top jobs, enter the best graduate and professional programs, and qualify for further honors. In recent years, scholars have received Churchill, Merrill, Keasbey, and Howard Hughes scholarships; Putnam and Fulbright fellowships; and National Science Foundation awards.
