NC Reach (Child Welfare Postsecondary Support Program)
NC Department of Health and Human Services (funds disbursed by NCSEAA)
Last-dollar state scholarship plus case management for students who aged out of NC foster care or were adopted from it at 12 or older, at NC public universities and community colleges.
- How much
- Last-dollar award; amount determined each semester by DHHS based on budget
- Who qualifies
- Former NC foster youth: aged out of NC foster care, adopted from NC foster care on or after the 12th birthday, or exited to guardianship through KinGAP at age 14
- Legal NC resident eligible for in-state tuition; enrolled in at least 6 credits at an NC public community college or UNC university; funding available through age 25; up to four years of undergraduate study.
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students
- When to apply
- Check dates No published deadline; contact the DHHS NC Reach program
- How to apply
- Apply through the NC Reach application linked on the NC DHHS independent-living services page
- Questions to ETVandNCReachProgram@dhhs.nc.gov
- Also file the FAFSA
- What you'll need
- state application + FAFSA
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (ncdhhs.gov), page 2 and page 3
The details
State-funded scholarship established by the 2007 General Assembly. Funding is applied after all other financial aid, public funds and scholarships. It covers up to four years of undergraduate study at NC public universities and community colleges, through age 25, and includes case management and student support. NCSEAA may disburse twice per semester to help with living expenses. DHHS sets award amounts each semester based on the budget. Can't be used at private or out-of-state colleges.
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)
- Golden LEAF Community Colleges ScholarshipUp to $2,250 per school year (curriculum students); up to $1,850 per year (occupational/continuing education programs)
- 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.