From the Golden LEAF Foundation

Golden LEAF Scholarship information and applications for 2016-17 are now available at CFNC.org/goldenleaf. A total of 215 awards will be offered to first-time recipients for the 2016-17 academic year. The awards are valued at $12,000 ($3,000 per year for up to four years) for students attending a qualifying North Carolina campus and are funded by a grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The Golden LEAF Scholarship Program is administered by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA).

To be considered, an applicant must:

• Be enrolled during the 2015-16 academic year at a North Carolina public or private high school or a North Carolina community college
• Enroll for fall 2016 as a full-time, degree-seeking freshman or transfer from a North Carolina community college at one of the 57 qualifying public universities or private colleges and universities in North Carolina
• Be a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes with a permanent residence in one of 78 qualifying rural counties
• Demonstrate financial need
• Submit a Golden LEAF Scholarship application, available at CFNC.org/goldenleaf, a FAFSA  (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), available at www.fafsa.gov and a current high school or community college transcript no later than March 1.

A complete list of program requirements, participating campuses and qualifying counties can be viewed at CFNC.org/goldenleaf.

Scholarship recipients also may apply for the Golden LEAF Scholars Leadership Program. This program, offered through the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, N.C., 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.
The Golden LEAF Scholarship application deadline is March 1.