Golden LEAF Scholar Alumni Spotlight: Chandler Bumgarner

By Emma Godwin, Golden LEAF External Affairs Intern Golden LEAF Scholar alumnus Chandler Bumgarner grew up in Taylorsville, N.C., in rural Alexander County, holding a sense of community close to his heart. This sense of community was significant as he began his college career at Western Carolina University. Chandler Bumgarner’s closest friends from back home […]

Golden LEAF Scholars graduate with plans to return to rural communities

By Emma Godwin, Golden LEAF External Affairs Intern As commencement ceremonies unfold across North Carolina, a unique group of graduates carries with them not only their diplomas but also a commitment to the very communities that shaped them.  “I am incredibly proud of our Golden LEAF Scholar graduates,” said Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer […]

Golden LEAF Scholarship Alumni Spotlight: Leleah Maher

By Emma Godwin, Golden LEAF External Affairs Intern Golden LEAF Scholarship alumna Leleah Maher grew up in Rocky Mount with a passion for making an impact. She attended Nash Early College High School, where she finished high school and earned an associate degree in May 2022. She then attended North Carolina State University as a […]

Applications for Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship due March 1, 2025

Rocky Mount, N.C., (January 9, 2025) The Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship application for the 2025-2026 academic year is now available at CFNC.org. A total of 215 awards will be offered to first-time recipients from qualifying counties. Applications are due March 1, 2025. The awards are valued at $14,000 ($3,500 per year for up to four years) […]