North Carolina scholarships: Free money for NC students

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.

The East Coast Amateur Radio Service (ECARS) Scholarship will be awarded to those with active Technician Class or higher. Applicants must reside in the general coverage areas of ECARS including ARRL Atlantic, Great Lakes, Hudson, New England, and Roanoke Divisions. Applicants must be pursuing their studies at a two-year trade school or 4-year undergraduate institution. Applicants should generally be between the ages of 17 and 25 at the time of the award, but older applicants retraining in a changing job market will be considered. Applicants must submit transcripts which must cover the applicant's entire high school career to date and, if in college, must include all semesters for which grades have been awarded. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the ARRL Foundation Inc. for more information.

The Gary Wagner, K3OMI, Scholarship will be awarded to those with an active Novice Class Amateur Radio License or higher. Applicants must be pursuing their studies toward a Bachelor of Science degree in any field of engineering. Applicants must submit transcripts which must cover the applicant's entire high school career to date and, if in college, must include all semesters for which grades have been awarded. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the ARRL Foundation Inc. for more information.

The L. Phil and Alice J. Wicker Scholarship will be awarded to those with active General Class license or higher. Applicants must be pursuing a Bachelor's degree or higher in electronics, communications, or related fields. Applicants must submit transcripts which must cover the applicant's entire high school career to date and, if in college, must include all semesters for which grades have been awarded. For students applying for graduate school assistance, high school transcripts are not necessary. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the ARRL Foundation Inc. for more information.

The North Carolina Veterans Scholarships Class III will be awarded to students who will meet one of the following: (A) have a veteran parent who is or was at time of death drawing pension for total and permanent disability as rated by the USDVA; (B) have a veteran parent who is a deceased war veteran who was honorably discharged and who does not qualify under any other provision within this statute; or (C) served in a combat zone or waters adjacent to a combat zone and received a campaign badge or medal and who does not qualify under any other provision with this statute. Students in public, community and technical colleges or institutes will receive free tuition, a room allowance, a board allowance, and exemption from certain mandatory fees set forth in the law. Students in private college and junior colleges will receive $7,000 per nine-month academic year. The scholarship may be renewed for four academic years if used within 8 years. Two recommendations must be submitted, at least one recommendation must be from a teacher, guidance counselor, professor, or academic counselor. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information about the scholarship and the documents that must be submitted.