The world of national and international scholarships is more competitive than ever. Top students from across the county vie for a limited number of awards that provide the funding needed to participate in elite programs that can help launch the careers of those who receive the recognition. Scholarship foundation leaders have an insider’s view of the selection process, and experienced advisors prepare students to navigate applications and interviews. Both perspectives are represented here in this new collection emphasizing the importance of engaging a diverse group of students, institutions, and programs in the process as well as expanding the educational experience for students as they apply so that everyone benefits, no matter what the outcome.

Suzanne McCray is vice provost for enrollment and director of nationally competitive awards at the University of Arkansas. She is the editor of Beyond Winning: National Scholarship Competitions and the Student Experience; Nationally Competitive Scholarships: Serving Students and the Public Good; and Leading the Way: Student Engagement and Nationally Competitive Awards.