Golden LEAF Program Officer Jason Rochelle retired on June 30, after 10 years of service to the Foundation.
As a Program Officer, Jason was responsible for evaluating funding proposals and overseeing project monitoring and compliance activities. He also provided insight on Foundation policy, programs and initiatives, and data to support Golden LEAF’s funding priorities.
In June, the Golden LEAF Foundation welcomed Kaetlyn Tate as Program Officer.
“We are thrilled to have Kaetlyn join our team as we continue advancing the Golden LEAF mission,” said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer. “Her background in public policy and research will complement our dedicated staff.”
As a Program Officer, Tate is responsible for evaluating funding proposals, supporting the implementation of Golden LEAF priorities, and overseeing project monitoring and compliance activities. Her work focuses on the Workforce Preparedness priority. Tate was hired to fill the Program Officer position following the retirement of Jason Rochelle.
Recently, the Golden LEAF Foundation announced that 215 students from 59 rural North Carolina counties were selected to receive up to $14,000 from the Golden LEAF Scholarship Program.
The scholarship provides high school seniors entering a four-year North Carolina college or university with $3,500 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study. Community college transfer students are eligible for $3,500 a year for three years of undergraduate study.
The Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $6 million in funding to support job creation and economic investment, workforce preparedness, and agriculture projects. The Golden LEAF Board awarded $1 million to support three projects through the Open Grants Program, $2 million to support two projects in a special healthcare workforce program, $1.9 million to support one Economic Catalyst project, $1 million to support one project through the SPARC initiative, and $100,000 to support one project developed through the NC Ag Leads initiative.
In May, the Golden LEAF Foundation welcomed Ethan Lewis as Scholarship Program Associate.
“We are excited for Ethan to join the team to help carry out the mission of Golden LEAF,” said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer. “He brings a strong skill set that will complement our team of dedicated professionals.”
As North Carolina students turn their tassels and look towards the future, a group of graduates have plans to return to revitalize their rural communities.
“I am proud to celebrate our Golden LEAF Scholar graduates,” said Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton. “These students have gained valuable knowledge and experience that will benefit both their futures and the rural communities they call home. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!”
At the April meeting, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $8.3 million in funding to support job creation and economic investment, workforce preparedness projects, and scholarships. The Golden LEAF Board awarded $1.4 million to support three projects through the Open Grants Program and $1.49 million to support one Economic Catalyst project. The Golden LEAF Board approved $3.06 million in funding to the North Carolina Community College System for the Golden LEAF Community Colleges Scholarship. The Golden LEAF Board also approved $2,369,597 in additional funding for previously awarded projects.
In March, the Golden LEAF Foundation welcomed Ginger Mustamaa as Director of Programs Administration.
At the February meeting, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors announced a total of $17,376,679 in funding to support job creation and economic investment, workforce preparedness, and agriculture projects. The Board awarded $9.9 million to support 11 projects through the Community-Based Grants Initiative in the North Central Prosperity Zone, $1.2 million to support three projects through the Open Grants Program, and $1.3 million to support a SITE Program – Development project. The Board also recently approved an award of $4.8 million to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
The March 1, 2026 deadline is quickly approaching for the Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship. Visit CFNC.org for more information on the 2026-2027 school year scholarship application.
In total, 215 awards will be offered to high school seniors and community college transfer students from qualifying counties who plan to attend North Carolina colleges and universities. The scholarship is valued at $14,000 ($3,500 annually for four years) for high school seniors and $10,500 ($3,500 annually for three years) for community college transfer students.
