Golden LEAF Foundation Logo

The Golden LEAF Foundation makes scholarships available to students from qualifying counties who demonstrate financial need to help them attend a North Carolina community college. Golden LEAF’s goal is for scholarship recipients to gain talent, knowledge, and the skills to help their communities thrive. You may qualify for up to $750 for the Spring 2024 term in an approved curriculum program. Certain workforce development program students may also qualify for Golden LEAF funds - see your workforce development coordinator when you register for classes.

Scholarship funds are limited to tuition, books, fees, credentialing tests, childcare services, transportation, and other components of the total cost of attendance for the 2023-2024 academic year.

To be eligible, a community college student must:

  • Be a North Carolina resident, demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA, and reside in a rural county that is tobacco dependent and economically distressed as determined by the Golden LEAF Foundation
  • Degree-seeking students must be enrolled at least full time for the full award. Less than half-time students may be considered pending the availability of funds.

Finalists that meet all the eligibility criteria will undergo a separate “merit” competition. Selection is based on:

  • The effect of the declining economy on his or her family
  • Owned or employed in farming/agriculture business
  • Owned or employed in traditional industries such as textiles or furniture manufacturing
  • Household member lost their job or went from full-time to part-time
  • Academic record

We offer the Golden LEAF scholarship each semester. Availability and deadlines will be announced here.

Spring application deadline was January 19, 2024. Please check back for the next one soon!

Please return completed applications to the Financial Aid Office.

For assistance, please email us.

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