News

Golden LEAF Scholars Gain Real-World Experience Across Rural North Carolina

This summer, 75 Golden LEAF Scholars participated in the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative. The initiative is designed to provide students with hands-on, relevant work experience in rural North Carolina communities.

August 12, 2026

Golden LEAF Announces Departure of Vice President/Chief of Staff Kasey Ginsberg

Golden LEAF Vice President/Chief of Staff Kasey Ginsberg’s last day with the Foundation was on August 7th. Ginsberg began her new role as Director of State Affairs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on August 10th.

August 12, 2026

Staff Spotlight: Arianna Kidder

My role at Golden LEAF centers around data and helping turn that data into meaningful insights. I support both our Programs and Scholarship work by managing grants and scholarship data, ensuring our records are accurate and reliable. I also analyze that information to identify trends, support informed decision-making, and help Golden LEAF better understand and maximize the impact of our work.

August 12, 2026

Staff Spotlight

Golden LEAF announces $16.7 million in funding at August meeting

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C., (August 6, 2026) – Today, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $16.7 million in funding to support job creation and economic investment, workforce preparedness, and agriculture projects. The Golden LEAF Board awarded $1.7 million to support four projects through the Open Grants Program, $3 million to support two projects in the SITE Program, and $1 million for an Economic Catalyst project. The Golden LEAF Board awarded $456,000 to continue the work of the NC Ag Leads Initiative and $10 million to establish the Rural Entrepreneurship Regional Constellation program. The Golden LEAF Board also approved $499,406 in additional funding for previously awarded projects.

August 6, 2026

Habitat for Humanity builds homes to support the workforce in Wayne County

As North Carolina's population continues to grow, so does the demand for workforce housing. In Goldsboro, Habitat for Humanity of Goldsboro-Wayne is partnering with Golden LEAF and others to transform a 24.5-acre site into a new mixed-income neighborhood that will provide homes for essential workers while strengthening the local economy. Discover how infrastructure investments and community partnerships are helping address one of rural North Carolina's most pressing economic development challenges.

July 21, 2026

Golden LEAF Critical Conversations: Housing as Economic Development

Housing has become one of the most significant challenges facing communities across North Carolina. As employers expand their operations and the state's population continues to grow, many rural communities are struggling to provide housing for teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, manufacturing employees, and other essential workers.

July 8, 2026

All In NC: Building economic opportunity through housing infrastructure

Across North Carolina, one of the issues that continues to surface in conversations with local leaders, employers, and economic developers is workforce housing. In the latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations, we discussed how partnerships are creating workforce housing solutions.

July 8, 2026

Program Officer Jason Rochelle retires after 10 years at Golden LEAF

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.

July 8, 2026

Alumni Spotlight: Kara Pless

Growing up in Stanly County, Golden LEAF Scholar Alumna Kara Pless knew she wanted to return to the community she grew up in. "This is home for me," Pless said. "My husband and I built our house right beside my parents, and my sister lives on the other side. I am raising my family here."

July 8, 2026

Golden LEAF welcomes Program Officer

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.

July 8, 2026

Building Agricultural Career Pathways Across Eastern North Carolina

As North Carolina agriculture faces workforce shortages and an aging labor force, educational institutions are working together to create stronger pathways from high school classrooms to agricultural careers. The University of Mount Olive (UMO) has developed a network of agricultural academies that allow high school students to earn college credit, explore career options and gain hands-on experience before graduation. Through partnerships with public schools, private schools and community colleges, the program helps students move seamlessly from education into the workforce.

June 9, 2026

Ashe County Agricultural Center supports farmers, agribusiness, and the next generation of agriculture

For years, Ashe County farmers lacked a centralized facility where they could market livestock, host agricultural events, and provide hands-on learning opportunities for young people interested in agriculture. Today, the Ashe County Agricultural Center is helping fill that gap while strengthening the local agricultural industry and creating new economic opportunities for businesses, commodity groups, nonprofit organizations, and future farmers. The Ashe County Agriculture Foundation committee handles the day-to-day operations of the facility. Judy Bare, member of the Ashe County Agriculture Foundation committee, says the committee meets at least once a month to go over planned events and other aspects of the center.

June 9, 2026

Golden LEAF Critical Conversations podcast: The Future of Farmland in North Carolina

The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations with President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton explores one of the most significant challenges facing North Carolina agriculture: the loss of farmland and what it means for the state’s economy, food systems, and future growth.

June 8, 2026

Golden LEAF announces 215 students from 59 rural North Carolina counties were selected to receive up to a $14,000 Golden LEAF Scholarship

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.

June 8, 2026

Golden LEAF announces $6 million in funding at June meeting

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.

June 8, 2026

Golden LEAF welcomes Scholarship Program Associate

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.”

June 8, 2026

Golden LEAF Announces 2026 Golden LEAF Scholarship Recipients

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C., (June 8, 2026) - Today, the Golden LEAF Foundation announced that 215 rural North Carolina students were selected to receive up to a $14,000 Golden LEAF Scholarship. High school seniors entering college as first year students are eligible for a $3,500 scholarship each year for up to four years of undergraduate study at a participating four-year North Carolina college or university. Community college transfer students are eligible for $3,500 a year for up to three years of undergraduate study.

June 8, 2026

Golden LEAF announces $6 million in funding at June meeting

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C., (June 4, 2026) – Today, 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.

June 4, 2026

Hamilton to retire from Golden LEAF at the end of 2026

ROCKY MOUNT (June 4, 2026) – The Board of Directors of Golden LEAF Foundation today announced President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton will retire at the end of this year following a distinguished career of leadership and service to North Carolina. Hamilton has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2019. Under his leadership, Golden LEAF strengthened its commitment to advancing economic opportunity through investments that led to the creation of new jobs, improved workforce preparedness, and supported agriculture across rural North Carolina.

June 4, 2026

Workforce Preparedness

Middle school career labs support workforce pipeline for high-demand careers

Two middle schools in Wilson County are helping students think about their futures long before they reach high school through the College and Career Exploration Labs at Darden and Speight Middle Schools. The labs were designed to give middle school students hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world careers. Students explore a variety of high-demand fields through interactive modules focused on Biomedical Engineering, Manufacturing Technologies, Electricity and Electronics, Structural Engineering, Health Science Careers, Computer Drafting and Design, Environment and Ecology, and other career pathways tied to workforce preparedness.

May 27, 2026

Workforce Preparedness

Bolstering North Carolina’s healthcare workforce pipeline

Across North Carolina, healthcare providers are facing critical staffing shortages. In 2025 the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded eight community colleges more than $4.1 million total to expand healthcare training capacity and prepare students for in-demand careers to help address these challenges. Funds were used to support expanding training capacity, modernizing facilities, strengthening career pathways, and connecting students directly to high-demand careers.

May 27, 2026

Golden LEAF Critical Conversations podcast – Reimagining rural education through Golden LEAF Schools

The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations with President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton explores how North Carolina rural middle schools participating in the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative are rethinking education to better prepare students for high school, careers, and the workforce of the future.

May 13, 2026

Announcements, Scholar Spotlight

Golden LEAF Scholars plan to have impact in their rural communities

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!”

May 13, 2026

Staff Spotlight: Miranda Dalton

I evaluate funding proposals, support the implementation of Golden LEAF priorities, and oversee project monitoring and compliance activities. My work focuses on projects in the Workforce Preparedness priority.

May 13, 2026

Staff Spotlight

Golden LEAF External Affairs Intern Spotlight: Kaitlyn Parker

Serving as an intern at Golden LEAF means supporting my past without compromising on my future. Coming from a small town, I was under the impression that my opportunities were limited unless I left for highly urban areas or an entirely different state. My experience at the Golden LEAF Foundation has helped me realize the breadth of opportunities I’ll have at home; staying in a rural area no longer felt like it was a full stop on my life trajectory, but instead a steady pace towards the next chapter of my life.

May 13, 2026

Warren County’s SITE Program Journey: From Identification to Development

Warren County is using the Golden LEAF SITE Program to strengthen its competitiveness for economic development. What began as a search for a viable industrial site has advanced through identification, due diligence, and now active development, positioning the county to better compete for new industry.

April 22, 2026

Funding, partnerships essential to recruiting Ross Distribution Center, bringing 852 jobs to Randolph County

Randolph County’s recruitment of a 1.7 million-square-foot Ross Stores, Inc. distribution center is a powerful example of how long-term planning, infrastructure investment, and strong partnerships can come together to deliver transformational economic development. The project will create 852 jobs and will invest $450 million capital investment.

April 22, 2026

Spring events connect Golden LEAF Scholars to opportunity and impact

This spring, Golden LEAF Scholars across North Carolina had the chance to connect, learn, and celebrate their shared experience through a series of campus visits. As part of an ongoing effort to engage more deeply with scholars and connect them to the Foundation’s mission, Golden LEAF visited North Carolina State University, Elizabeth City State University, North Carolina Wesleyan University, and East Carolina University, bringing together students, university leadership, and alumni.

April 8, 2026

Golden LEAF Critical Conversations podcast – How ready sites give economic developers a strategic edge

The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton, the Foundation’s President and CEO, brings together three leaders driving economic development across North Carolina to answer a critical question: What does it really take to attract new industry to a community?

April 8, 2026

Golden LEAF announces $8.3 million in funding at April meeting, tours NC State University Plant Sciences Building

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.

April 8, 2026

Golden LEAF Scholar Alumni Spotlight: Naziera Staton

Golden LEAF Scholar Alumna Naziera Staton grew up in New Bern in Craven County. As a self-motivated individual, she always knew that she wanted to go to college. “Growing up, for me, was very rural, very low income,” said Staton. “The trajectory was usually high school to workforce or trades. You could only go to college if you had enough financial assistance and push to do it. I was very self-motivated to do something different.

April 8, 2026

Staff Spotlight: Kathy Ktul

Briefly describe your role at Golden LEAF. I review grantee reports at the initial, interim, and final stages to ensure documentation and policy compliance before they reach program officers. I also conduct research to support monitoring level assessments

April 8, 2026

Staff Spotlight

Golden LEAF announces $8.3 million in funding at April meeting, tours NC State University Plant Sciences Building

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C., (April 2, 2026) – Today, 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.

April 2, 2026

Plant Sciences Initiative – Keeping Agriculture Competitive

What does it take to keep North Carolina agriculture competitive in a rapidly changing world? Today’s farmers face complex challenges that require more than traditional solutions. The Plant Sciences Initiative (PSI) at NC State University was created to meet that challenge by bringing together researchers, farmers, industry leaders, and government partners to solve real problems and deliver practical innovations to the field.

March 25, 2026