The Golden LEAF Scholarship aims to boost economic prospects in North Carolina’s rural and struggling areas.
It does this by supporting students who promise to study at a North Carolina school, graduate, and then go back to a rural community in the state.
The Golden LEAF Foundation started in 1999. They’ve given over $60 million in scholarships to more than 29,000 students.
What is Golden Leaf Scholarship?
The Golden LEAF Scholarship offers money to North Carolina high school seniors and community college transfer students from specific rural and economically struggling counties.
It’s a merit-based scholarship program.
The Golden LEAF Foundation, a nonprofit, finances this scholarship, and they aim to boost economic opportunities in rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed parts of North Carolina.
The Golden LEAF Scholarship awards up to $14,000 in tuition aid spread across four years for high school seniors and up to $10,500 in tuition aid over three years for community college transfer students.
This scholarship also offers chances for leadership development and career growth.
Impact Factor or Score Indexing
The Golden LEAF Scholarship, funded by the nonprofit Golden LEAF Foundation, supports North Carolina high school seniors and community college transfer students in rural and economically distressed counties.
It’s a merit-based program offering financial aid. Established in 2011, the scholarship doesn’t have a well-established impact factor or score indexing. However, the Golden LEAF Foundation’s reports show the positive impact it’s had on recipients
.In 2021, they noted that 95% of Golden Leaf Scholars had completed college, and 85% were either employed or pursuing further education.
Eligibility Criteria of Golden Leaf Scholarship
- Reside in North Carolina
- Be a graduating high school senior or a community college transfer student
- Plan to attend a participating North Carolina college or university full-time
- Demonstrate financial need
- Express an intent to return to a rural North Carolina community after college graduation
Additional eligibility criteria for high school seniors
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Ensure that your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Expected Family Contribution (EFC) does not exceed the maximum allowed by Golden LEAF
Eligibility criteria for community college transfer students
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Complete at least 30 credit hours of transferable coursework
- Ensure that your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Expected Family Contribution (EFC) does not exceed the maximum allowed by Golden LEAF
Application Process
- Complete the Online Application: Students must submit an online application, which should include the following components:
- A personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
- FAFSA Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
- Craft a Personal Statement: The personal statement is a crucial part of the application. It lets you share your story and explain why you’re a good fit for the Golden Leaf Scholarship. Highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. Also, express your financial need and your commitment to returning to a rural North Carolina community after college graduation.
- Secure Letters of Recommendation: Obtain letters of recommendation from individuals who know you well, such as teachers, counselors, or coaches. These letters should discuss your academic ability, character, and leadership potential.
- Submit Transcripts: Include transcripts from all your high school and college coursework along with your application.
- Demonstrate financial need: Submit your FAFSA Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to showcase your financial need.
- Don’t Miss the Deadline: The application deadline for the Golden Leaf Scholarship is March 1st for the following academic year.
Benefits of Golden Leaf Scholarship
- Tuition Assistance: Golden Leaf Scholarship offers up to $14,000 in tuition aid over four years for high school seniors and up to $10,500 over three years for community college transfer students. This financial support eases the burden of student loan debt, making education more accessible.
- Leadership Development Opportunities: Golden Leaf Scholars engage in various leadership development programs and workshops. These initiatives help students enhance their leadership skills, boost their confidence, and empower them to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Career-Building Opportunities: Golden Leaf Scholars gain access to career-building resources such as internships, mentoring opportunities, and networking events. These resources help students prepare for their careers, acquire essential skills, and gain valuable experience for future success.
- A Supportive Community of Scholars: Golden Leaf Scholars become part of a supportive community of like-minded scholars who share a passion for improving North Carolina. This community facilitates connections among scholars, fosters mutual learning, and provides support for each other’s success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the eligibility requirements for high school seniors?
A: High school seniors need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Expected Family Contribution (EFC) that doesn’t exceed Golden LEAF’s maximum limit.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements for community college transfer students?
A: Community college transfer students must maintain at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA, complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of transferable coursework, and have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Expected Family Contribution (EFC) below the maximum set by Golden LEAF.
Q: How much money is awarded through the Golden Leaf Scholarship?
A: The Golden Leaf Scholarship provides up to $14,000 in tuition assistance spread over four years for high school seniors and up to $10,500 in tuition assistance distributed over three years for community college transfer students.
Q: What is the application deadline for the Golden Leaf Scholarship?
A: The application deadline for the Golden Leaf Scholarship is March 1st for the following academic year.