BCPS celebrates outstanding students recognized as National Merit corporate-sponsored scholarship winners

Broward County, Florida – Two Broward County Public Schools seniors are being recognized on a national stage, earning prestigious scholarships that highlight both academic excellence and future promise. Alyssa Rapps of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and Ziyue Xu of Cypress Bay High School have been named recipients of Corporate-sponsored awards through the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

The announcement, made by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), marks the first round of scholarship winners for this year’s competition. For Broward County Public Schools, the recognition brings a sense of pride, as both students stand among a select group chosen from thousands of finalists across the country.

Alyssa Rapps and Ziyue Xu each received the National Merit Motorola Solutions Scholarship, an award granted to students who meet specific criteria set by corporate sponsors. These criteria often reflect a combination of academic achievement, career interests, and connections to the sponsoring organization’s mission or community. Their selection signals not only strong academic performance but also alignment with the values and goals that sponsors aim to support.

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Behind these scholarships is a vast network of corporate partners. Around 115 companies, foundations, and business organizations participate in funding the awards, each with its own focus. Some seek to support students connected to their workforce or communities, while others invest in young people pursuing fields critical to their industries. The result is a diverse pool of opportunities designed to nurture future leaders across multiple disciplines.

For the students, the scholarships offer more than recognition—they provide tangible support for higher education. Many of the Corporate-sponsored awards are renewable for up to four years, offering annual financial assistance ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. In some cases, recipients may receive a one-time payment between $2,500 and $10,000. This flexibility allows students to apply the funding at any regionally accredited college or university in the United States, giving them the freedom to choose the academic path that best fits their ambitions.

The National Merit Scholarship Program itself has a long history of identifying and supporting high-achieving students. Since its inception, corporate sponsors have contributed more than $892 million, underscoring a sustained commitment to education and talent development. The program continues to evolve, but its core mission remains unchanged: to recognize academic excellence and help students turn potential into opportunity.

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While Alyssa and Ziyue have already secured their place among this year’s scholarship recipients, more announcements are still to come. The NMSC is expected to reveal winners of the National Merit $2,500 Scholarships on May 13, 2026, followed by college-sponsored Merit Scholarship recipients on June 3 and July 13.

For now, the spotlight rests on these two Broward County seniors, whose achievements reflect years of dedication and focus. Their success serves as a reminder that behind every scholarship is a story of persistence—and that recognition at this level is often just the beginning of a much larger journey.