Golden LEAF Community Colleges Scholarship
Golden LEAF Foundation (through NC community colleges)
Up to $2,250 a year for community college curriculum students (up to $1,850 for occupational programs) from qualifying NC counties with financial need.
- How much
- Up to $2,250 per school year (curriculum students); up to $1,850 per year (occupational/continuing education programs)
- Who qualifies
- NC resident (RDS for curriculum students) living in a Golden LEAF qualifying county; enrolled at a participating NC community college in a curriculum program or a 96+ hour Workforce Continuing Education pathway leading to a credential.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Check dates Each participating community college sets its own deadline; contact the college's financial aid office
- How to apply
- Apply through your community college's financial aid office (not to Golden LEAF)
- Curriculum students also complete the FAFSA
- What you'll need
- state application + FAFSA
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (scholars.goldenleaf.org), page 2 and page 3
The details
For students attending or planning to attend a participating NC community college who live in a qualifying county and show financial need. Curriculum students: up to $2,250 per school year including summer; must be full-time in fall and spring (part-time awards may be prorated) and at least half-time (6 credits) in summer. Workforce Continuing Education students in courses of 96+ hours leading to a state or industry-recognized credential: up to $1,850 per year, need determined by the college, and FAFSA not required. Can pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, class-related childcare and credential testing. If you move out of the county after your first award, you stay eligible as long as you live in NC.
More money from North Carolina
- Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities ScholarshipUp to $14,000 ($3,500 per school year for up to 4 years; transfers $3,500/yr for up to 3 years)
- NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College StudentsAmount varies
- Next NC ScholarshipAt least $5,000 per year at a UNC System university; at least $3,000 per year at an NC community college (federal Pell + state funds combined)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.