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 […]
Universities hold events to honor Golden LEAF Scholars, ECU celebrates 10 years of scholar receptions
Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton has made it a priority to meet with Golden LEAF Scholars at their college or university to help connect them with the mission of and opportunities provided by Golden LEAF, the leadership of the institution they are attending, alumni, and their fellow scholars. This spring, the […]
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) […]
Golden LEAF Alumni Spotlight: Brooklyn Brown
By Golden LEAF External Affairs Interns Brittney Collins and Markell Gibbs Golden LEAF Scholarship alumnae Brooklyn Brown was born and raised in rural Swain County, on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. She currently lives in Swain County and works at the Cherokee One Feather as a reporter. Brown graduated from Swain County High School as valedictorian, […]
Golden LEAF Scholarship Alumni Spotlight Article: Zach Jones
By Karizma Greene, Golden LEAF External Affairs Intern Zach Jones, a Golden LEAF Scholarship alumnus, finds home in rural Robeson County, North Carolina. Jones attended Robeson Community College (RCC) for two years then transferred to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) in 2008, where he studied education. UNCP’s motto, “Education changes lives,” resonated […]
Congratulations to the Golden LEAF Scholars graduating class of 2023
By Brittney Collins, Golden LEAF Scholarship Program Intern Since 2000, Golden LEAF has awarded approximately 6,000 scholarships to students from rural communities who are graduating with the skills, passion, and leadership experiences to help their home communities thrive. This year, 120 Golden LEAF Scholars are graduating from a North Carolina college or university. “I am […]
Golden LEAF Scholarship Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Blackwell
By Savanna Ramirez, Golden LEAF External Affairs Intern Golden LEAF Scholarship alumna Jessica Blackwell grew up in a rural community in Columbus County as a farmer’s daughter. She rode tractors and learned how to deal with different farm equipment over the years. Her grandfather was a tobacco farmer and eventually passed that business down to […]
Golden LEAF Alumni Spotlight: Samantha Bowen
Name: Samantha Bowen Home County: Stokes County High School Attended: South Stokes High School College Attended/ Years Attended: UNC-Chapel Hill (2014-2018) College Major: History College Minor: Chemistry, Spanish Current county of residence: Stokes County Employer: Stokes County Schools Title: High School Science Teacher Years working with current employer: 3 What does rural mean to you? […]