National Technical Honor Society
Are you considering a career in a technical profession or already pursuing a career-oriented education program? If so, you might be eligible to join the National Technical Honor Society. Becoming a member of the National Technical Honor Society provides numerous benefits, including valuable resources to help kickstart your career. The community of people you meet through NTHS become key supporters and mentors, even after you enter the workforce.
Whether you’ve heard of technical education or not, you might find that NTHS has something for you. In this article, we’ll answer several common questions, like:
- What is NTHS? Is it a CTSO? (And what do all these acronyms mean?)
- What are the National Technical Honor Society requirements to join?
- What are the responsibilities and benefits of NTHS membership? Is it really worth it to join NTHS?
- What kind of NTHS scholarships and opportunities are available to members?
- What other CTSOs are out there, and what future professions do they support?
Let’s begin by learning more about the National Technical Honor Society and what kinds of students join it.
What is the National Technical Honor Society?
The National Technical Honor Society is a national non-profit organization, recognizing outstanding student achievement in Career & Technical Education (CTE). What is CTE? Essentially, CTE is a term that describes the type of educational pathways that develop practical knowledge and skills for various careers. While you might think technical education is only for skilled trades, NTHS members include business people, accountants, and healthcare workers.
The National Technical Honor Society was founded in 1984. It’s aim is to celebrate skilled students while challenging negative perceptions of vocational education. Since the beginning, NTHS has focused not only on supporting technical education but also on cultivating well-rounded members. Career development, leadership, service, and recognition — the Core Four Objectives of NTHS — speak to its values and direction.
You may be familiar with other honor societies (National Honor Society, Tri-M, Mu Alpha Theta, etc.) which strive to recognize excellence in high school students. What is NTHS known for that sets it apart? For this particular honor society, it all comes down to the T: technical education. Where the National Honor Society, for example, seeks to recognize academic achievement, NTHS focuses on students in CTE programs. Career and skills development are high priorities for NTHS, and only students in CTE pathways are eligible.
What kinds of students and programs does the National Technical Honor Society represent? Information technology (IT), health sciences and healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades, just to name a few, are all eligible. If you’re not sure what CTE programs are available to you, or if you’re currently in a CTE pathway, check with your guidance counselor.
Is NTHS a CTSO?
With all this talk of CTE, you may be wondering if NTHS is a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO). Typically, CTSOs are comprehensive organizations run through local chapters that participate in nationwide or global initiatives. Depending on the CTSO, inter-chapter programming may include competitions, conferences, and leadership development programs. Many CTSOs also have industry partners that facilitate special guest speaker events, scholarship opportunities, and even experiential learning initiatives.
So, when it comes down to it, NTHS is not a CTSO. The National Technical Honor Society is, well, an honor society, not a student organization. That is to say, NTHS exists to recognize student achievement rather than to organize events like competitions or conferences. While there may be some inter-chapter collaboration, that is not the main function of the National Technical Honor Society.
However, because its membership has heavy overlap with CTSOs, NTHS has many affiliations and partnerships that can benefit CTSO members. If you are or plan to be a member of groups like HOSA, SkillsUSA, or FBLA, NTHS has something for you. In fact, many students are members of both the National Technical Honor Society and a CTSO. The synergies of these organizations enrich a student’s CTE education and open many doors, as we’ll discuss later on.
With that said, if the National Technical Honor Society isn’t a CTSO, what does the organization actually do? Up next, let’s talk about what being a NTHS member actually entails.
What do you do in National Technical Honor Society?
The National Technical Honor Society runs through local chapters managed by an advisor. What is NTHS life like for a local chapter? It’s similar to other high school clubs. Typical chapter activities include induction ceremonies, community service projects, regular meetings, and leadership events. Since activities are coordinated locally, your chapter may have a different calendar of events compared to other chapters. Regardless, they all revolve around the National Technical Honor Society values of professionalism, service, leadership, and career readiness.
Unique events might include peer mentorship programs, resume writing workshops, and fundraisers. NTHS encourages local chapters to partner with local CTSOs and employers to co-host events and programming like guest speakers. In line with the National Technical Honor Society’s mission to recognize students, chapters also hold ceremonies to celebrate graduates.
Many local NTHS chapters also elect chapter officers, students who take responsibility for various aspects of the chapter. They may lead meetings, coordinate events, help organize fundraisers or awareness campaigns, and take charge of projects. Becoming a chapter officer can be a great way to demonstrate leadership and cultivate skills like time and project management.
No matter what activities a local National Technical Honor Society chapter does, its members are still part of the larger organization. As such, they’re representatives of NTHS in their community, and it’s essential that they uphold NTHS values in and out of the classroom. By being consummate professionals, dedicated community members, and upstanding leaders, NTHS members can represent both themselves and their organization with pride.
National Technical Honor Society Requirements
What are the National Technical Honor Society requirements for prospective members? One of the main eligibility requirements is, of course, enrollment in a CTE program. Since it’s an honors society, NTHS also requires high marks. Typically, that means having at minimum a 3.0 GPA, but each chapter chooses their GPA criterion. They may assess overall unweighted GPA, CTE-specific GPA, or both, but the benchmark in all cases is 3.0.
Good character is also among the National Technical Honor Society requirements for prospective students. NTHS membership is nomination-based; teachers or CTE coordinators recommend students for membership. If you’re hoping to gain a NTHS membership nomination, be the kind of person your local chapter would be proud to have.
Local chapters can also set additional National Technical Honor Society requirements for prospective members. This may be in response to local circumstances, resource availability, or other factors. Some examples of additional criteria include attendance, conduct, community service, CTSO involvement, and credential attainment. Inquire with your local chapter to learn about all of their National Technical Honor Society requirements.
Beyond induction, maintaining your NTHS membership often requires active participation in regular meetings or other events. Additionally, members need to maintain a GPA at or above 3.0. Again, you should ask your local chapter advisor to confirm expectations of active members and any additional criteria for prospective members.
How to get into NTHS
If you meet the National Technical Honor Society requirements, how do you actually get into NTHS? As stated above, NTHS induction and membership are nomination-based, so teachers or CTE coordinators must nominate students for entry. After nomination, students must register as members, after which they’re officially inducted at an induction ceremony. Because the National Technical Honor Society is run entirely through local chapters, there’s no independent application. If you want to join NTHS, you have to join through a local chapter.
The National Technical Honor Society charges a $30 one-time fee to your school or chapter when you join. This fee goes toward your membership kit, which comprises an NTHS certificate and other items. These items help mark you as an official NTHS member. Chapters have the option of requiring additional local dues to cover activities and other expenses. Ask your local chapter advisor if there are any additional dues or fees for members.
If you want to be nominated for the National Technical Honor Society, there are some things you can do to stand out. Excel in your CTE courses by getting good grades as well as demonstrating leadership and dedication. Join CTSOs and high school clubs that are relevant to your current coursework and future career path. You can also talk to a CTE teacher or coordinator about your interest in NTHS — asking directly can’t hurt! There are even cases where students can self-nominate, so be proactive in learning about your local chapter’s nomination process.
NTHS Membership Benefits
National Technical Honor Society membership has many benefits, ranging from NTHS scholarship eligibility to networking and leadership development opportunities. Over $300,000 is awarded annually in NTHS scholarships through partner CTSOs and other organizations. Some NTHS scholarships are available for any and all members, while others are for members of certain CTSOs or career pathways. We’ll look more closely at NTHS scholarships in the following section.
In addition to NTHS scholarships, here are some other benefits of becoming a member.
National Technical Honor Society Member Benefits
Letters of Recommendation
Student members can request a general letter of recommendation and up to three customized letters. While general letters can be saved and printed at any time, customized letters are sent directly to a school or organization.
Membership Kit
Upon joining, students receive an official NTHS membership kit. The membership kit includes an NTHS certificate, a lapel pin, a tassel, a decal, and a diploma seal. These items let you represent NTHS academically, personally, and professionally.
Partner Discounts
NTHS offers an array of discounts for products from Lenovo, CAT Workwear, and Office Depot/Office Max. These discounts are available to alumni and student members.
CareerSafe Special Member Pricing
CareerSafe offers a 10-hour OSHA Safety Training online course. While the course is normally $59, NTHS members and alumni can take the course for only $37. This credential can be helpful for members who are or will be working on sites that mandate OSHA compliance.
Career Readiness Resources
There are a variety of career readiness resources available to NTHS members. The Career Readiness Portal offers personality and learning style assessments, financial resources including a scholarship database, a resume builder, and more. There’s also CareerStarter, which has resources for those interested in careers in construction and architecture. Finally, chapters have access to Rubin Propel, an email extension that teaches proper email etiquette.
Partner endorsements
NTHS offers endorsements through the Law & Public Safety Education Network (LAPSEN) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Endorsement allows students to purchase cords, stoles, or medallions for the endorsing organization. Additionally, endorsed students are automatically entered for consideration for a $500 NTHS scholarship from the organization.
Beyond these benefits, NTHS membership also introduces you to a number of peers and mentors. These connections can stay with you long after graduation, enriching your future career.
Exploring NTHS Scholarships
Let’s take a closer look at NTHS scholarship opportunities. Every year, the National Technical Honor Society and its partners offer thousands of dollars in scholarships to secondary and post-secondary members. Perhaps the most prominent scholarship is the Jon H. Poteat Scholarship, named for the founder of NTHS. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to over 200 active NTHS members every year.
Some NTHS scholarships are tied to specific disciplines or courses of study. For example, the Build Your Future Scholarship is a $2,000 reward for members studying construction-related disciplines. As mentioned above, there are also endorsement-related scholarships from ASE and LAPSEN. Many others are joint scholarships with other CTSOs. These require applicants to be dual members of both NTHS and a CTSO like DECA or SkillsUSA. Keep reading to learn more about NTHS partner CTSOs and their affiliated scholarships.
In general, NTHS scholarships require applicants to be active members in good academic standing. For better chances of selection, applicants should also have a strong record of leadership and service. Of course, eligibility criteria and deadlines vary by scholarship, so check the websites of NTHS and their partner organizations for more details.
Is joining National Technical Honor Society worth it?
As discussed above, there are a number of benefits to joining the National Technical Honor Society. But do they make membership worth it? Let’s look at the commitment that NTHS membership requires.
Being an active NTHS member requires attending meetings and participating in events. Joining also requires paying the $30 membership fee plus any local dues. Whether membership is worth it is ultimately down to your personal circumstances, but on the whole, NTHS membership is fairly accessible.
In addition to NTHS scholarships and networking opportunities, the NTHS seal speaks to a member’s professionalism and achievement. University, scholarship, and job applications can only be strengthened by evidence of NTHS membership. Especially because members must first be nominated, becoming one requires someone to recognize your academic achievements. In other words, being an NTHS member shows that you’ve consistently put in the work — and that somebody has taken notice. Moreover, you accepted the nomination (and the responsibilities that come with it) for the sake of your future.
Furthermore, NTHS benefits continue even after you graduate. Six months after graduation, National Technical Honor Society student members can switch over to alumni membership. Alumni members join a community of over a million people nationwide. They are still eligible for partner discounts, verification letters, and a number of perks like use of the TechForce Network. Moreover, alumni are eligible for the C. Allen Powell Scholarship to fund continued education and skill development. Scholarship eligibility never expires, so whether you’re two or twenty years out from graduation, you can submit an application.
More Career & Technical Student Organizations
Career & Technical Student Organizations provide chances for members to partake in competitions, conferences, projects, and leadership opportunities. In doing so, they help members cultivate practical skills and gain real-world experience in their chosen field. CTSOs also create connections between members and industry leaders, business partners, and more, contributing to their careers from an early stage. For students in CTE pathways, CTSO membership can go a long way in strengthening skills they need for the workplace.
As mentioned previously, the National Technical Honor Society is not a CTSO, though it has partnerships with many of them. These groups are often present on school campuses as college or high school clubs. Let’s take a look at NTHS partners — you may find one that aligns with your career goals, or even see one you’ve already joined.
8 More Career & Technical Organizations for Students
1. Business Professionals of America
BPA chapters in over 25 U.S. states support students pursuing business careers like management, IT, finance, and health administration. Student members can hold national office, meet each other in state and regional conferences, and partake in national competitions. In collaboration with NTHS, BPA offers three $1,000 scholarships every year to dual members.
2. DECA
High schools and universities across the world have DECA chapters, providing professional development and enrichment opportunities for young professionals. Like BPA, DECA is aimed at future leaders and entrepreneurs in fields such as marketing, finance, and hospitality. Also like BPA, DECA offers three $1,000 scholarships to members who are also in NTHS.
3. Future Business Leaders of America
FBLA is the world’s largest CTSO for students aspiring to careers in business. While FBLA has high school and college chapters like other CTSOs, it also has a middle school arm. This allows students even more time to get to know the organization and rise to leadership positions. Two $1,000 scholarships are granted to dual FBLA and NTHS members each year.
4. Family, Career and Community Leaders of America
Students in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education can benefit from membership in FCCLA. FCS encompasses fields like hospitality, education, nutrition, interior design, and apparel. FCCLA supports not only professional development, but also youth concerns like family relationships, peer pressure, and nutrition and fitness. Dual NTHS and FCCLA members can apply to receive one of three $1,000 scholarships.
5. FFA
FFA prioritizes agricultural education and leadership, with members pursuing everything from farming to veterinary science and international business. Membership is open from 5th grade all the way through university. FFA offers hands-on professional development and experiential learning opportunities to students across the country. As a NTHS partner, FFA also offers three $1,000 scholarships to dual members.
6. HOSA
HOSA is a global CTSO for students pursuing health care professions. Starting in middle school, students can join HOSA for leadership development opportunities, recognition, and unique programming. HOSA members are well-prepared for entry-level certifications, associate’s degree programs, and four-year colleges and universities. For dual members of HOSA and NTHS, seven $1,000 scholarships are available each year.
7. SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a leading workforce development CTSO, preparing members for careers in skilled trades. The organization takes a holistic approach, emphasizing personal skills, workplace skills, and technical skills. Chapters can organize work-based learning programs to help members jumpstart their professional development. There are four $1,000 awards offered to SkillsUSA and NTHS joint members.
8. Technology Student Organization
Finally, TSA is a CTSO for middle and high school students engaged in STEM. With hundreds of thousands of members nationwide, TSA offers competitions and intracurricular activities for personal and professional development. Three $1,000 scholarships are open to dual TSA/NTHS members annually.
This list is by no means exhaustive — it only covers organizations partnered with the National Technical Honor Society. There are other CTSOs out there, like the National Professional Agricultural Student Organization (PAS). There may even be high school clubs that aren’t affiliated with a national group but nevertheless offer valuable development opportunities. Be thorough in searching for professional organizations; ask your CTE coordinator or guidance counselor for additional resources.
National Technical Honor Society- Final Takeaways
In this article, we talked about the National Technical Honor Society and why you may want to join it. What is NTHS? NTHS is an honor society that seeks to encourage and recognize excellence in career & technical education. While it isn’t a CTSO like DECA or HOSA, NTHS nevertheless has much to offer its members as they pursue a wide variety of career paths.
We talked about the National Technical Honor Society requirements for nomination, as well as member benefits and NTHS scholarship opportunities. As long as you meet the 3.0 GPA requirement and are enrolled in a CTE program, most chapters will consider your nomination. Online and offline resources, networking opportunities, and a large alumni network are a few major perks of NTHS. Of course, members can also benefit from the hundreds of thousands of dollars awarded in scholarships each year.
If you’re in a CTE pathway and have an excellent track record, why not join NTHS and experience all they have to offer? As you explore extracurricular clubs and opportunities, consider joining a CTSO aligned with your career goals, too.
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