Recipients must reside in rural counties that are tobacco-dependent or economically distressed.
Elon University students from North Carolina were among those awarded scholarships this month by funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform the state’s economy.
The Golden LEAF Foundation awarded $420,000 to North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities to be distributed among NCICU’s member colleges for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Students are eligible for $3,000 per year. Recipients of the Golden LEAF Scholarships must reside in rural counties that are tobacco-dependent or economically distressed. The goal of the program is for students to return home after receiving their degree and help their communities.
Award recipients include the following Elon students:
Jeffrey Williamson
Ashley Meeks
Ronda Ataalla
“The Golden LEAF Foundation is committed to building the talent, knowledge and skill of North Carolina students,” said Dan Gerlach, Golden LEAF president. “The Golden LEAF Scholarship program assists in providing the vital funds needed for a quality education, and therefore, helps level the playing field for economic success in our rural, tobacco-dependent and economically distressed communities.”
Over the past decade, the foundation has contributed in excess of $5.8 million to assist more than 1,200 students attend North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities.
The mission of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities is to support, represent, and advocate for North Carolina independent higher education. NCICU is comprised of North Carolina’s 36 private, non-profit liberal arts, comprehensive and research colleges and universities accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.