Golden LEAF Scholars plan to have impact in their rural communities
By Kaitlyn Parker, External Affairs Intern As North Carolina students turn their tassels and look towards the future, a group of graduates have plans to return to revitalize their rural communities. “I am proud to celebrate our Golden LEAF Scholar graduates,” said Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton. “These students have gained […]
Spring events connect Golden LEAF Scholars to opportunity and impact
This spring, Golden LEAF Scholars across North Carolina had the chance to connect, learn, and celebrate their shared experience through a series of campus visits.
As part of an ongoing effort to engage more deeply with scholars and connect them to the Foundation’s mission, Golden LEAF visited North Carolina State University, Elizabeth City State University, North Carolina Wesleyan University, and East Carolina University, bringing together students, university leadership, and alumni.
Golden LEAF Scholar Alumni Spotlight: Naziera Staton
Golden LEAF Scholar Alumna Naziera Staton grew up in New Bern in Craven County. As a self-motivated individual, she always knew that she wanted to go to college.
“Growing up, for me, was very rural, very low income,” said Staton. “The trajectory was usually high school to workforce or trades. You could only go to college if you had enough financial assistance and push to do it. I was very self-motivated to do something different.”
Applications for Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship due March 1, 2026
The Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship application for the 2026-2027 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, 2026.
Scholar Alumni Spotlight: Evelyn Trejo
Growing up in a small rural community in Wayne County shaped Evelyn Trejo’s values and sense of connection early on. “Everybody knew each other,” she said. “I loved that about where I grew up. I definitely prefer the smaller town.” That appreciation for close-knit communities has guided Trejo through her education and into her career. […]
Golden LEAF Scholar Alumna Spotlight: Sydney Coe
Golden LEAF Scholar Alumna Sydney Coe grew up in Siloam, North Carolina, a small community in Surry County where she now teaches third grade at Dobson Elementary School. A proud product of rural North Carolina, Coe says coming back home after college was always part of her plan.
“I grew up in Siloam,” said Coe. “I have a lot of roots there and I wanted to give back to the community that gave so much to me and made me who I am today.”
Golden LEAF Scholar Alumni Spotlight: Jeffrey Wilkins
Golden LEAF Scholar Alumnus Jeffrey Wilkins grew up in the small town of Micro located in Johnston County, where no one was a stranger.
Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative participants share rural work experiences
This summer, 71 Golden LEAF Scholars are participating in the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative (RII), an opportunity designed to provide hands-on, career-relevant work experience in rural North Carolina communities. Three senior scholars, Joe Bolick, Caitlyn Rogers, and Nyanna Sherrod, who have participated in several summers of RII share how their internships are shaping their professional paths and deepening their connections to their home regions.
Golden LEAF announces 215 students from 58 rural North Carolina counties were selected to receive up to a $14,000 Golden LEAF Scholarship
Recently, the Golden LEAF Foundation announced that 215 students from 58 rural North Carolina counties were selected to receive up to a $14,000 Golden LEAF Scholarship. This scholarship provides high school seniors entering a four-year North Carolina college or university with $3,500 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study. Community college transfer students […]
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 […]