North Carolina scholarships: Free money for NC students

The North Carolina Veterans Scholarships Class IV will be awarded to a student with a veteran parent who was a Prisoner of War or Missing In Action. A transcript of high school grades through junior year is required if the applicant is a senior in high school and doesn't have senior grades. If the applicant graduated high school, they must provide a complete transcript of high school grades. A copy of the applicant's birth certificate showing the name of their veteran parent must also be submitted. A copy of the applicant's veteran parent's DD 214 is also required. Two completed NCDMVA-23B(3) forms or recommendation forms must be submitted. At least one recommendation must be from a teacher, guidance counselor, professor or academic counselor. Some of the required materials must be submitted if it meets the certain criteria. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for more information.

The Prince E. and Ruth E. Smith Endowed Scholarship Fund is open to an agricultural education major. Other departments in the College of Agriculture shall be considered if no agricultural education major is available. Applicants must be residents of Vance or Pitt Counties; if no such student is available from these two counties, then the student can be chosen from Guilford County. The scholarship process is competitive and will depend on SAT/ACT scores, academic performance (GPA), leadership, abilities, and scholarship statement. Students may visit the scholarship's website or contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for more information.

The North Carolina Veterans Scholarships Class I-A will be awarded to a student with a veteran parent who was killed or died in wartime service or died as a result of service-connected condition incurred in wartime service as defined by law. This scholarship may be used for four academic years if used within 8 years. A transcript of high school grades through junior year is required if the applicant is a senior in high school and doesn't have senior grades. If the applicant graduated high school, they must provide a complete transcript of high school grades. A copy of the applicant's birth certificate showing the name of their veteran parent must also be submitted. A copy of the applicant's veteran parent's DD 214 is also required. Two completed NCDMVA-23B(3) forms or recommendation forms must be submitted. At least one recommendation must be from a teacher, guidance counselor, professor or academic counselor. Some of the required materials must be submitted if it meets the certain criteria. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for more information.

The North Carolina Veterans Scholarships Class I-B will be awarded to a student with a veteran parent rated by USDVA as 100 percent disabled due to wartime service as defined in the law, and currently or at time of death drawing compensation for such disability. A transcript of high school grades through junior year is required if the applicant is a senior in high school and doesn't have senior grades. If the applicant graduated high school, they must provide a complete transcript of high school grades. A copy of the applicant's birth certificate showing the name of their veteran parent must also be submitted. A copy of the applicant's veteran parent's DD 214 is also required. Two completed NCDMVA-23B(3) forms or recommendation forms must be submitted. At least one recommendation must be from a teacher, guidance counselor, professor or academic counselor. Some of the required materials must be submitted if it meets the certain criteria. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for more information.

The North Carolina Jaycees will honor up to five of North Carolina's most outstanding teenagers. The purpose of this program is to create greater public interest in their accomplishments and contributions. The youth selected as the community's Outstanding Teenager will receive local recognition and awards and will become a nominee in the state competition. This form serves as the official entry form for local and state competitions. Nominees must be a high school senior during the current high school year. They must exemplify well-rounded youth in scholarship, leadership and community service. Recommendation letters from the following should be submitted with the application: a teacher, a community or church leader, and the nominee, explaining why they should be awarded this scholarship. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.

In an effort to contribute to the communities that have made the industry what it is, NCVA will award the North Carolina Vending Association Academic Scholarships based on academics, character and financial need to a deserving student. The student must be affiliated with or related to a person from the vending industry and a current member of NCVA from North Carolina. Applicants must include a copy of their current transcript, class rank and SAT scores in their application. They also may attach letters of recommendation from teachers or other leaders who feel strongly that they are a worthy candidate for this scholarship. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.

The NC CPA Foundation Community College Scholarship will be awarded to students enrolled in community colleges who are pursuing a two-year associate degree with the intent to enroll in a four-year program and have the potential to become a CPA. All applicants must be NCACPA members to apply for a scholarship. Prior award winners are eligible to apply. The foundation encourages applications from students who are future CPAs and who have strong interpersonal skills, are technologically adept, highly disciplined, and equally productive whether working alone or in collaboration. Additional factors such as financial need, background and experiences will be considered as well. Applicants must provide a reference of someone who knows them well, for example, a faculty member, a supervisor, and/or CPA. The applicant's reference should be able to speak to their academic performance, leadership potential, involvement in activities beyond the classroom, and commitment to becoming a CPA. Relatives or peers may not serve as references. Applicants must also answer essay questions. If they prefer, applicants also have the option to upload a recording (voice only) of their response. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the NC CPA Foundation for more information.

The Golden Door Scholarship is open to graduating high school students or students who have graduated from a United States high school, or have earned or will earn a high school equivalency diploma. Applicants must reside in one of the eligible regional states. They must be willing to relocate to and enroll full-time in a bachelor's degree program. Applicants can not be a current college student. Scholarship recipients will receive funding for a four-year degree at a Golden Door Scholars regional partner school beginning in the Fall 2026 semester. Additional benefits include mentorship and career coaching. Students who have applied to or are interested in other colleges not considered a GDS partner school should still plan to apply. Students at non-partner schools in the regional areas of NC, SC, and GA may still receive support on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must be willing to pursue majors aligned with Golden Door Scholars' preferred majors list. Software engineering, data analytics, business analytics, and digital marketing are a few popular career paths that meet these criteria. Preference is given to applicants interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree that is career-ready and has high earning potential, meaning applicants will not require an advanced degree to begin their careers. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.

The James Cothran, KD3NI, Scholarship will be awarded to those with any active Amateur Radio License Class. Applicants must be residents of the Atlantic Division, the Roanoke Division, the Southeastern Division or Washington, D.C. Applicants may be pursuing any field of study in any institution. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the ARRL Foundation Inc. for more information.