Cooper - Woodson Honor Society

The Cooper-Woodson Honor Society is dedicated to recognizing and nurturing academic excellence, leadership, service, and cultural literacy among high school homeschool students. Inspired by the legacies of Anna Julia Cooper and Carter G. Woodson, our society upholds the belief that education is both a personal and communal responsibility—empowering students to excel, serve, and uplift their communities.

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Our mission is to:

Encourage academic excellence through rigorous learning and scholarship
Cultivate leadership in education, service, and cultural engagement
Foster cultural awareness by honoring Black history, literature, and intellectual traditions
Promote community service as a means of positive social impact

The society is built on a foundation of five guiding values:

Excellence – Striving for the highest standards in education and personal development
Integrity – Upholding honesty, responsibility, and ethical leadership
Heritage & Identity – Honoring Black history, culture, and intellectual contributions
Service – Using knowledge and leadership to uplift the community
Perseverance – Demonstrating resilience in learning and personal growth

Eligibility & Membership Requirements

Membership in the Cooper-Woodson Honor Society is open to high school homeschool students (grades 9–12) who are members of Heritage Homeschoolers and meet the following criteria:

- Academic Standards

Maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA (unweighted)
Demonstrate a commitment to intellectual curiosity and academic integrity
Submit a letter of intent outlining their interest in joining the society

- Cultural & Community Engagement

Complete a study project on a Black scholar, leader, or historical movement
Participate in at least one cultural literacy discussion or project per semester
Read and discuss at least one book per year by a Black author

- Leadership & Service

Complete at least 10 hours of community service per semester
Participate in at least one society-led leadership workshop or seminar per year
Demonstrate leadership within the homeschool or broader community

The Cooper-Woodson Honor Society is more than a recognition program—it's a launching pad for thoughtful, culturally aware leaders who are ready to make an impact. Through meaningful discussion, community service, and peer-led engagement, students deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them.

What’s the difference between National Beta Club and the Cooper-Woodson Honor Society?

While both organizations recognize academic achievement and encourage leadership and service, their focus and mission are distinct.

National Beta Club is a nationwide academic honors program that celebrates students for their scholastic performance, character, leadership, and service to others. It’s open to students of all backgrounds and focuses on general academic excellence and community involvement.

The Cooper-Woodson Honor Society, inspired by the legacies of Anna Julia Cooper and Carter G. Woodson, is a culturally grounded honor society specifically for homeschooled high school students. In addition to high academic standards, it emphasizes cultural literacy, community uplift, and leadership rooted in a deep understanding of Black history and heritage. The society nurtures students who not only excel but who are committed to using their education to serve and elevate their communities.

Though different in focus, the two organizations work hand in hand—often collaborating on service projects, leadership development opportunities, and events that enrich both their members and the broader community. Joining both is ideal!

Please Submit Your Application

Student First Name

Student Last Name

Student Email

Student Phone

Multi-line address

Country/Region

Address

City

Zip / Postal code

Current grade level (2025-2026 school year):

Current GPA (must be 3.5 or higher)

Upload a personal statement OR video answering the following questions: (If you have issues uploading, please email it to info@heritagehomeschoolers.org)

Why do you want to be a part of The Cooper-Woodson Honor Society?
How do you see yourself contributing to the society’s mission of academic excellence, leadership, and cultural engagement?
Which Black scholar, educator, or leader inspires you the most, and why?

PARENT First Name

PARENT Last Name

PARENT Email

PARENT Phone

I certify that the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that being a member of The Cooper-Woodson Honor Society requires academic commitment, participation in service and cultural literacy activities, and upholding the values of excellence, integrity, and leadership.