April 27, 2023
Since establishing the scholarship program in 2000, the Golden LEAF Foundation has provided scholarships to help students from rural communities to attend the state’s community colleges to earn degrees and credentials that will lead to employment.
Golden LEAF Community College Scholarships are valued at up to $2,250 per school year, including summer term, for curriculum students and up to $1,850 per year for students enrolling in occupational programs.
Golden LEAF Community College Scholarships awards can be applied toward tuition, fees, books, supplies at the community college where enrolled, as well as transportation, childcare expenses related to attending classes, and credential testing upon course completion. This scholarship provides students with the funds to focus on their skill-building in order to prepare them for the workforce.
Golden LEAF Community College Scholarship recipient Etonica Fobbs is from Nash County studying to earn an associate degree in nursing at Wilson Community College. She has been employed by Nash County Health Department for three years and 10 months as a WIC Nutritionist II.
While Fobbs has attended a four-year university, she is grateful for the community provided at Wilson Community College.
“Attending a community college seems more like a close-knit family,” said Fobbs. “It wasn’t until I attended Wilson Community College that I heard of a college having a food pantry to provide goods to students free of charge. Also, Wilson Community College participates in many community activities as well as providing volunteer services to the community, and I am happy to be a part of that.”
As a Golden LEAF Scholarship recipient, Fobbs recommends to anyone thinking about applying for the Golden LEAF Scholarship to reach out to their financial aid office. There she found the application and information she needed to apply.
“I would tell anyone interested in applying for the Golden LEAF Scholarship to absolutely go for it and take advantage of all of the benefits and opportunities of being a recipient,” said Fobbs. “I am very grateful to have been a recipient and plan to pay it forward.”
Many scholarship recipients, like Fobbs, have written to Golden LEAF to share their gratitude for the scholarship.
“On behalf of my 20 month old son and I, we want to thank you for the Golden LEAF Scholarship for the spring semester,” said Corey T., who is working on his Associates in Electronics Engineering. “Knowing how tough it is to go to school full time, hold a job, and take care of a child, this award is highly appreciated.”
“It is a great honor to be chosen as a recipient of the Golden LEAF Foundation Scholarship,” said Ivory H., who is working on her degree through the Office Administration Program. “I am juggling being a full time student, full time General Manager, and full time mom. I am continuing my education to have a better career and have time to also spend with my family.”
“Thank you for the Golden LEAF Foundation Scholarship,” said Jess B. “I have used the funds to purchase much needed books for my degree in Mechatronics Engineering. I have a long history in farming and agriculture and hope to use this degree for advancements in automation and agriculture to meet the future food and water demands our country faces.”
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.
Contact your college’s financial aid office to determine if the Golden LEAF Scholarship program is the right fit for you. To learn more about the Golden LEAF Community College Scholarship, click here.