This scholarship is designed to assist current high school seniors, current North Carolina community college students and students currently enrolled at public North Carolina 4-year universities. Recipients must be a permanent resident of a qualifying rural county that is economically distressed (Tier I, II or III) and/or tobacco-dependent. Priority for scholarships will be given to students from families adversely affected by the decline of the tobacco industry.
Each community college in North Carolina offers two $2,500 scholarships annually. Recipients must be a U.S. citizen, a North Carolina resident, and a graduate of a North Carolina high school. Recipients must have achieved a minimum 2.5 GPA and cannot be a Director, employee, or family member of an employee or Director of the State Employees’ Credit Union or the SECU Foundation. Recipients must also demonstrate financial need using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicating an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) between $3,601 and $5,000.
Funded by the State Board of Community Colleges, this scholarship provides need-based assistance to students who are North Carolina residents enrolled in low-enrollment programs that prepare students for high-demand occupations. Credit and non-credit programs may be eligible. Eligible programs are determined by each college. Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).