The Golden LEAF Scholarship
The Golden LEAF Scholarship strives to increase economic opportunities for North Carolina’s rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed areas by investing in students who commit to attend a North Carolina institution, graduate, and return to a rural community in the state.
Since its inception in 1999, The Golden LEAF Foundation has awarded more than $60 million in scholarship funding to more than 29,000 students.
Scholarship Goals
The Golden LEAF Scholarship is so much more than tuition and room and board. It provides leadership development opportunities, exposes scholars to career experiences, and promises a lifetime connection to an extraordinary community of Golden LEAF Scholars across the state.
Connection
Connection to Golden LEAF’s mission
Successful Workforce
Successful workforce outcomes and a return to rural North Carolina after graduating college
Leadership & Experience
Possession of leadership skills and collegiate work experience
College Achievement
Enrollment in and graduation from a college in North Carolina
“I would not have been able to go to college without the help I received from Golden LEAF. I will be the first in my family to graduate with a college degree. The experience has helped me grow as a person and grow in my service to my community. It has enriched my life and helped me see my life, the life of my community, and the lives of others in a new perspective.”
Qualifying Counties
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At A Glance
1999
First scholarship
awarded
52
UNC System and NC Independent Colleges and Universities represented by current scholars and alumni
705
Current 4-year scholars
29,000+
Scholarships provided to help North Carolinians attend participating NC colleges and universities
$60M
Scholarship funding over 23 years
301 N. Winstead Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804