From the Golden LEAF Foundation

Golden LEAF Scholarship information and applications for 2019-20 are available at CFNC.org/goldenleaf. A total of 215 awards will be offered to first-time recipients from qualifying counties for the 2019-20 academic year. Applications are due March 1.

The awards are valued at $12,000 ($3,000 per year for up to four years) for high school students attending a participating North Carolina college. Community college transfer students can receive $3,000 per year for up to three years.

Recipients are selected based upon multiple factors including the ability to effectively communicate a desire to return after graduation to a rural county that is economically distressed. Applicants must also have a Pell eligible Expected Family Contribution determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid; a GPA of no less than 3.0; and be a resident of a rural county that is economically distressed and/or tobacco dependent. Beaufort and Hyde counties are two of the eligible counties.

“The Golden LEAF Foundation is committed to building the talent, knowledge and skill of North Carolina students,” said Dan Gerlach, Golden LEAF president. “For almost 20 years, the Golden LEAF Scholarship program has assisted in providing the vital funds needed for a quality education. Our goal is that these students will return to live and work in rural communities.”

The scholarship program is funded through a Golden LEAF grant to the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, which administers the program. A complete list of program requirements, participating campuses and qualifying counties can be viewed at CFNC.org/goldenleaf. Contact the College Foundation of North Carolina toll-free at 866-866-CFNC, for more information.

Scholarship recipients also may apply for the Golden LEAF Scholars Leadership Program. This program, offered through the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro provides leadership-building seminars, a summer internship and a stipend.

Students completing all four years of the leadership program can receive up to $8,830 in stipends in addition to the Golden LEAF Scholarship award.