Pomperaug High School Student Wins National Merit Scholarship

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced approximately 3,500 winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. Officials of each sponsor college selected their scholarship winners from among the Finalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institution.

These awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship. An additional group of Scholars will be announced in July, bringing the total number of college-sponsored Merit Scholarship recipients in the 2018 competition to about 4,000.

This year, 178 higher education institutions are underwriting Merit Scholarship awards through the National Merit Scholarship Program. Sponsor colleges and universities include 100 private and 78 public institutions located in 44 states and the District of Columbia.

College-sponsored Merit Scholarship winners announced are a part of the distinguished group of about 7,500 high school seniors who will receive National Merit Scholarships for college undergraduate study worth over $31 million.

Eric J. Gao, of Pomperaug High School

Probable career field: Chemical Engineering

NATIONAL MERIT NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP
Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. The University is a leader in interdisciplinary and use-inspired research, urban engagement, and the integration of classroom learning with real-world experience. We integrate rigorous classroom studies with experiential learning opportunities - anchored by the nation's largest, most innovative cooperative
education program - designed to prepare students for a lifetime of achievement.