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Golden LEAF Scholarship Programs

Since its inception, the Golden LEAF Foundation has awarded over $21 million to help 7,859 students from rural North Carolina attend the state's colleges and universities.

Scholarships are available to students from qualifying counties, who demonstrate financial need, to help them attend attend college at participating North Carolina public or private institutions or community colleges.

Golden LEAF Scholars Program
Since establishing the scholarship program, Golden LEAF has provided over 2,913 scholarships to help North Carolinians attend participating UNC System universities and private colleges and universities in N.C.

Participating NC colleges and universities
Participating institutions include UNC system universities and those private, nonprofit institutions eligible to participate in "NC's Need-Based Scholarships for Students Attending Private Institutions of Higher Education" program. Click here for the list of participating colleges and universities.

Eligibility
High school seniors or community college transfer students planning to attend any of the participating colleges or universities who reside in a qualifying county and demonstrate financial need.

Award Amount

For students awarded scholarships:

• High school seniors are eligible for a four-year scholarship totaling $12,000 ($3,000 a year over four years).
• Community college transfer students are eligible for $3,000 a year for up to 3 years.
• Years of scholarship support are subject to the number of credits transferred and the degree sought, among other eligiblity factors.
• Approximately 215 scholarships will be awarded each year.

How to apply
Visit CFNC.org/goldenleaf to fill out the application form or call 866-866-CFNC for assistance.

Deadline
March 1, 2012

Golden LEAF Scholars Program for N.C. Community Colleges
Since establishing the scholarship program, Golden LEAF has provided over 4,946 scholarships to help North Carolinians attend participating community colleges.

Participating community colleges
Click here for the list of the 2011-2012 North Carolina community colleges participating in the Golden LEAF Scholarship program. You can only apply for the scholarship if your community college is participating in the program.

Award Amount
Up to $750 per semester, including summer term, is available for curriculum students and up to $250 per semester for students enrolling in occupational programs.  Awards can be applied toward tuition, fees, books, supplies at the community college where enrolled and transportation and child care expenses related to attending classes.

Eligibility
Students attending or planning to attend any of North Carolina’s participating community colleges who reside in a qualifying county and demonstrate financial need are eligible to apply.

How to apply
Contact your college’s financial aid office (link to NCCCS's websites) for more information on how to apply and deadlines for your application.

Deadline
Each participating college will set the deadline for the scholarship application. Contact your college's financial aid office (link to NCCCS's websites) as soon as you plan to enroll to determine application deadlines.

For additional information about a Golden LEAF scholarship, you may also contact:

• Golden LEAF Scholarship Program - Edna Williams at 919-248-4632
• Golden LEAF Scholarship Program Two Year Colleges - Karen Yerby at 919-807-7100 ext 7107

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Renewal Scholarships:

• NC Community College System - Karen Yerby at 919-807-7100 ext 7107
• University of North Carolina System - Edna Williams at 919-248-4632
• North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities - Colleen Freeman at 919-832-5817