Golden LEAF Scholarship

Scholarships available to students from qualifying counties who demonstrate financial need to help them attend college at participating North Carolina public or private institutions and community colleges.

Geographic Scope: Qualifying rural North Carolina counties that are tobacco dependent or economically distressed (as determined by Golden LEAF Foundation)

Focus Areas:

• Support for students from economically distressed communities
• Tobacco-dependent county recovery
• Higher education access for low-income students

Eligibility:

• Reside in qualifying rural county (tobacco dependent or economically distressed)
• Demonstrate financial need
• Enrolled as curriculum student at Sampson Community College
• Must meet additional criteria set by Golden LEAF Foundation

2026 Status: The 2026 application has been closed

Application Process:

• All curriculum students receive notification via SCC student email
• Eligibility criteria and award notification date included in email
• Hard copy applications available in Student Services
• Return completed application to college's Financial Aid Office

Qualifying Counties (2026): See list on SCC website

Contact Information:

• Financial Aid Office
• Sampson Community College
• PO Box 318
• Clinton, NC 28329
• Phone: (910) 900-4320
• Email: finaid@sampsoncc.edu

Application Process

1. Receive Notification
   • All curriculum students notified via SCC student email
   • Email includes eligibility criteria and award notification date
2. Determine Eligibility
   • Verify residency in qualifying rural North Carolina county
   • Check if county is tobacco dependent or economically distressed per Golden LEAF Foundation
   • Confirm enrollment as curriculum student at SCC
3. Obtain Application
   • Applications sent via email to eligible students
   • Hard copy applications available in Student Services
4. Complete Application
   • Fill out all required fields
   • Gather supporting documentation as requested
5. Submit Application
   • Return to college's Financial Aid Office
   • Follow deadline indicated in application materials

Important Notes:

• 2026 application cycle has closed; future applications likely in 2027
• Contact Financial Aid Office for current information and deadlines
• Preference given to applicants from qualifying counties demonstrating financial need