Help one student claim the recognition they earned

WHY IT MATTERS

In 2025, only about half of all eligible students claimed their National Recognition Program award. These are students who did the work. They just need someone to help them follow through.

The National Recognition Program award is more than an honor. It gives eligible students something official to share on college applications and signals to colleges that they have achieved something significant. For many students, especially those who may not see themselves as standout candidates, that recognition can change how they present themselves and what they pursue.

That's where you come in. Here's how to open this door in 10–15 minutes.

THE ACTION (3 steps)

1. Identify a student who may be eligible for a National Recognition Program award and hasn't yet claimed it.
2. Reach out — a quick message, a mention during advising, or a check-in to let them know what they've earned.
3. Use your free Open Doors resources to guide the conversation. Share the student-facing materials so they have clear, concrete steps to claim their award.

WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU JOIN

When you commit, you unlock free, ready-to-use resources that make the conversation easy like conversation starters, a student-facing National Recognition Program overview with clear next steps, and tools designed to fit into the moments you're already having with students.

Join Open Doors today. Resources for this door will be ready this fall—as soon as they are, we'll send them straight to your inbox so you're set for the conversation.