Eligibility Requirements

Students in grades 6–8 who meet the requirements for membership outlined by their school’s chapter are eligible to be invited for membership.

Students must be in their second semester of sixth grade for consideration.

Each chapter is required to publish its qualifications for membership, which is based on the five pillars of NJHS:

• Scholarship
  Students must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. 
• Service
  This involves voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation.
• Leadership
  Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.
• Character
  The student of good character is cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and generally maintains a clean disciplinary record.
• Citizenship
  The student who demonstrates citizenship understands the importance of civic engagement; has a high regard for freedom and justice; respects democracy; respects the law for all citizens at the local, state, and federal levels; and demonstrates mature participation and responsibility in activities such as scouting, community organizations, or school clubs.

Students who meet the scholarship requirement will have an opportunity to complete a form detailing their accomplishments in and commitment to service, leadership, character, and citizenship.

Membership, however, is more than an honor. It is an ongoing responsibility and an obligation to continue to demonstrate those outstanding qualities that result in a student’s selection. Membership also carries a responsibility to the chapter. If our NJHS chapter is to be effective and meaningful, each member must become involved.  

Obligations of the Odyssey chapter members include attendance at monthly meetings and submission of 8 service hours per semester. These service hours must be completed outside of the school day and signed off by a supervisor or attending adult. Members of the chapter are also expected to embody the NJHS values of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship inside and outside of school. If members are unable to meet these obligations for any reason, dismissal can occur at the discretion of the chapter advisor or building administration.