Current Scholars

The Latest

February 8th is the final deadline to apply to the 2024 Rural Internship Initiative!

Upcoming Events

Feb. ECU Scholars Reception

6

Feb. FSU Scholars Luncheon

7

Feb. UNC-G Scholars Luncheon

15

Feb. Gardner-Webb Scholars Luncheon

27

Scholarship Timeline

Curious on how we onboard new scholars and the scholarship award cycle? Check out the information below!

Scholarship Notification

Scholars are notified of their selection status no later than the second week in May via an email from the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA). NCSEAA manages the Golden LEAF Scholarship on behalf of the Golden LEAF Foundation.

Meet the President Call

Scholars are invited to sign up for a small group call with the President of the Golden LEAF Foundation. [Strongly Encouraged]

Scholarship Webinar

Scholars attend a virtual scholarship webinar to learn more about the Golden LEAF Scholarship and additional resources available as a Golden LEAF Scholar. [Strongly Encouraged]

Fall Award/Spring Award

The release of Golden LEAF Scholarship funding to colleges/universities begins shortly after the start of classes each semester. NCSEAA electronically transfers the scholarship funds to the college/university. Many institutions reflect the award on student accounts as anticipated (pending) financial aid until the funding is received by the school. Generally, funding is released by the third week of August (fall semester) and January (spring semester) for scholars whose eligibility has been certified by their institution.

Additional Opportunities

Students awarded the Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship are also eligible to participate in additional leadership development and internship opportunities. Check out this page for more information!

Renewal Profile

Scholars must complete and submit the renewal profile made available each year via your NCSEAA Student Portal account to qualify for scholarship funding for the following academic year. [Required]

FAQs

I changed my college at the last minute, can I keep the scholarship?

Yes, as long as the college is one of the approved North Carolina colleges or universities. No out-of-state colleges are on the approved list. Additionally, scholars must notify NCSEAA of the change via email ([email protected]).

I have decided to go to community college, can I use my scholarship there?

No. Golden LEAF does have a community college scholarship program, but you need to apply for that program separately, and it will not be the same amount as the college/university scholarship. More information about our Community Colleges Scholarship can be found here.

If I don’t use all of the scholarship during my undergraduate studies, can I use it for graduate school?

No. This scholarship program is specifically to help students attend undergraduate college.

How do I renew my scholarship each year?

To renew your Golden LEAF Scholarship each year, you must complete and submit the required Golden LEAF Renewal Profile that will be made available to you via your NCSEAA Student Portal account. The renewal process typically begins each year in mid-March. NCSEAA will send an email once the renewal form is available. Be sure to have your most current email (the one you check regularly) listed in your NCSEAA Student Portal account to make sure you do not miss the email.

In addition to completing and submitting the required Golden LEAF Scholarship Renewal Profile, you will need to meet the following scholarship eligibility requirements:

Have a fully processed FAFSA record on file with the US Dept. of Education for the upcoming school year,
Enroll full-time (minimum 12 credit hours) for financial aid purposes each semester at a participating college/university, and
Meet the Satisfactory Academic Program (SAP) policy of your college/university.

How do my scholarship funds get to my college?

The release of Golden LEAF Scholarship funding to colleges/universities begins shortly after the start of classes each semester. NCSEAA electronically transfers the scholarship funds to the college/university. Many institutions reflect the award on student accounts as anticipated (pending) financial aid until the funding is received by the school. Generally, funding is released by the third week of August (fall semester) and January (spring semester) for scholars whose eligibility has been certified by their institution.