Table of Contents
Introduction and Background
Are you a high school senior or community college transfer student in North Carolina with dreams of pursuing higher education? The Golden LEAF Scholarship might be the key to unlocking the doors of opportunity for you. Established to support students from qualifying rural, economically distressed North Carolina counties, this scholarship is designed to make college education more accessible.
Table of Briefs
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | North Carolina residents residing in qualifying rural counties, high school seniors, and transfer students |
| Scholarship Amount | Up to $14,000 for high school seniors over four years; $3,500 per year for up to three years for transfers |
| Participating Institutions | UNC System universities and most private, nonprofit institutions in North Carolina |
| Application Deadline | March 1, 2024 |
| Notification of Awards | Early-May 2024 |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Golden LEAF Scholarship, you must:
- Be a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes.
- Reside in a qualifying rural North Carolina county.
- Be a graduating North Carolina high school senior or a currently enrolled North Carolina community college transfer student planning to enroll full-time in the fall.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- Plan to enroll in a participating North Carolina public or private college/university.
- Have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Student Aid Index (SAI) within the specified range.
- Demonstrate a commitment to returning to a rural North Carolina county after graduation.
Benefits
High school seniors entering college as first-year students are eligible for a four-year scholarship totaling up to $14,000 ($3,500 a year for up to four years). Community college transfer students can receive $3,500 a year for up to three years.
Application Process
To apply for the Golden LEAF Scholarship, follow these steps:
- Visit the CFNC.org scholarship page and fill out the Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities application form.
- Alternatively, you can call 1-800-700-1775 or email information@ncseaa.edu for assistance.
Important Dates
- January 16, 2024: Application opens.
- March 1, 2024: Application Deadline.
- Early-May 2024: Applicants will be notified of award status.
Conclusion
The Golden LEAF Scholarship is not just a financial aid opportunity; it’s a chance to invest in your education and contribute to the development of rural North Carolina. Seize this opportunity and pave the way for your academic success. Good luck!
