Alumni
Twenty years after the first cohort of Golden LEAF Scholars received their awards, our community now includes several thousand alumni. These individuals are leaders all over the state of North Carolina, living out the values of the Golden LEAF Scholarship as teachers, bankers, doctors, lawyers, consultants, scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, and more. They remain a vibrant and committed group of individuals who significantly contribute to North Carolina’s rural communities.
Alumni Meet-Ups

Alumni Spotlight

Brooklyn is a Swain County native, UNC-Chapel Hill grad, and current Reporter at Cherokee One Feather.
Born and raised on the Cherokee Indian Reservation, Brooklyn has followed her passion for writing and storytelling to share the stories of her communities.
“Our community has so many opportunities and resources now. Organizations are invested in rural communities and know that we have talented, intelligent people. I think there is a new wave of truly recognizing rural people.”