Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton has made it a priority to meet with Golden LEAF Scholars at their college or university to help connect them with the mission of and opportunities provided by Golden LEAF, the leadership of the institution they are attending, Golden LEAF Scholar alumni, and their fellow scholars.
This fall, Golden LEAF Board and staff attended events honoring scholars at Appalachian State University, University of Mount Olive, and Campbell University. Although each college visit is unique, Golden LEAF Scholars are all given the opportunity to learn more about the Golden LEAF Foundation, the Golden LEAF Scholarship Program, and the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative.
“The Golden LEAF Scholarship program was one of the first programs our Board established to build the rural workforce,” said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer. “Today, our scholars are getting an education to not only build the workforce, but to also transform our rural communities. The true power of the Golden LEAF Scholarship is that it cultivates a strong, localized rural leadership.”
Hamilton emphasized the importance of scholars’ future roles in rural North Carolina in his message to scholars.
“We are engaged in the essential work of rural economic revitalization in North Carolina. This work is powered by innovation, technology, and a renewed focus on local excellence. We need you to fill roles in advanced manufacturing, precision agriculture, healthcare technology, and rural entrepreneurship. You are the new architects of opportunity.”
One of those emerging leaders is Laura Ashleigh Smith, a senior studying animal science at the University of Mount Olive.
“Being a Golden LEAF Scholar not only relieves the financial burden of college but also creates a network of people we can turn to for questions,” said Smith. “It creates a sense of community with other scholars that we can associate with during the hard times through college and even share memories. We also build a connection with the staff at Golden LEAF.”
Smith plans to live and work in a rural area upon graduation.
“In December, when I graduate, I plan to obtain a job with North Carolina State University as an agriculture institution agent in one of our rural counties,” she shared.
Hamilton said stories like Smith’s are common across campuses.
“At each visit, we hear compelling stories of what the Golden LEAF Scholarship has meant to the recipients,” he said. “Each student we hear from has mentioned the scholarship as being a critical factor for them to attend a four-year college or university. Many are first-generation students. The goal is to have our scholars come back to live and work in rural North Carolina communities. We know that with each Golden LEAF Scholarship, we have a success story to tell.”
Another scholar building his future in a rural community is Joe Bolick, a Caldwell County native and senior studying secondary history and social studies education at Appalachian State University. He participated in the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative.
“For the past three years, I’ve taken part in the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative, where I have worked in Caldwell County Schools,” said Bolick. “Through this opportunity, I’ve been able to network and meet with principals, assistant principals, and even met the Superintendent. I’ve helped teachers through the last month and a half of school as well as multiple programs throughout the summer. Overall, it’s been a wonderful experience. I highly encourage other scholars to take part in the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative because of the opportunities it provides.”
At Campbell University, freshman Mallory Edwards is just beginning her academic journey. A Sampson County native, she is double majoring in English and history and says she credits Golden LEAF with making her Campbell education possible.
“Golden LEAF is more than just a scholarship,” Edwards said. “It is a unified support network that encourages students on their academic journey. They invest in the next generation of rural leaders.”
Edwards plans to return home to teach high school English or history in Sampson County after graduation.
Learn more about the Golden LEAF Scholarship here.