Paper Super Scholars Compete

We welcomed 15 amazing scholarship candidates to campus on February 13 for our annual Paper Super Scholars event which culminates in a day of interviews to select finalists. These exceptional high school seniors came from all over the eastern seaboard to learn about NC State and paper science and engineering as newly accepted students for fall 2025. They toured campus, our pilot paper plant, audited PSE 201 and enjoyed a handsheet-making lab under the tutelage of current students. We wrapped up the night with a banquet and student activity–a surprise visit to the Free Expression Tunnel! Prior Super Scholar winners were on hand along with a host of other PSE students, staff and faculty to ensure the students and families got a clear feel for the program.

Each newly accepted engineering student sat for a panel of interviews the following day; and one student was awarded a full ride scholarship!. Other high value scholarships also were also distributed. This event recruits high caliber students enlightening them on a career in the paper industry when many have not been aware of it.

The NC State Pulp and Paper Advisory Board and our member companies’ generous support of PSE provide the funding for these and many other scholarship opportunities along with internships, co-ops and permanent placements.

Thank you to International Paper for sponsoring the banquet dinner and to alums Clark Hight, Carson Carmichael, Kat Santoro for volunteering their time to help with the interviews.