Spelling Bee Home Page

The NSF Spelling contests for children in USA were launched in 1993. Many children and their parents are not fully aware of the importance of developing English vocabulary as a stepping stone for success. The preliminary selection for National Merit Scholarships is solely based on a student's PSAT score. In this test, 67% weight is given to English and 33% to Math. SAT scores assume great significance as one of the most important selection criteria in college admissions. In an effort to encourage children to excel in English early on, the Foundation has embarked on nationwide spelling and vocabulary contests.
The contests are conducted every year in two steps. Children participate in a regional contest conducted in over 60 centers across the US and Canada. Qualified winners of the regional contests are then invited to the National Finals. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners from each contest are awarded scholarships of $1,000, $500, and $250 respectively redeemable in the winners' freshman year of college.

The Spelling bee is open to children of Indian origin in grades 1 to 8. However, younger children are encouraged to participate, on equal basis, solely with the aim of familiarizing them with the contest.
Some of the benefits of spelling bee contests are:
• Feeling a sense of accomplishment
• Building self-confidence and self-esteem
• Developing correct English usage
• Learning new concepts
• Meeting other children and making new friends in our community
• Interacting with a group
• Improving communication skills
• Improving listening skills
• Developing discipline
• Recognizing that hard work leads to success more so than just innate intelligence
• Setting goals and meeting them
• Competing against one’s own ability, not against others
• Realizing that practice makes one perfect

From 2006, the spelling bee is split into Junior and Senior based on grade, rather than age. The grade eligibility is determined as of February 1. For more details, please see contest rules.