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 […]
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, […]