NC Community College Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by SECU Foundation

SECU Foundation created a two-year scholarship program to help students in the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) succeed. SECU members believe in “People Helping People,” and this program is one way they put that belief into action across the state.

Quick facts
- Total scholarships: 116, up to $5,000 each.
- Each North Carolina community college receives two scholarships per academic year.
- Payment schedule: two installments per year — $1,250 in the fall and $1,250 in the spring — for up to four consecutive semesters (maximum of $5,000).

How recipients are chosen
- Each college’s Scholarship Selection Committee selects recipients. A completed Student Data Form is required.
- The committee looks for students who best represent the credit union philosophy “People Helping People,” and who show leadership, character, integrity, and community involvement.
- Selection is made without regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, or disability.
- Preference is given to students whose parents, guardians, or family members are public sector employees (state, local, or federal government; public health; or public education) who live and work in North Carolina.
- More information and application instructions are available through your college financial aid office.

Eligibility and award criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following:

1. Be a high school graduate or have a GED, and be enrolled as an applicant or full‑time student in an associate degree, diploma, or certificate program.
2. Be a North Carolina resident under NCGS 116-143.1 and eligible for in‑state tuition.
3. Not have previously been awarded the SECU 2‑year People Helping People scholarship (each year’s recipients must be new to the program).
4. Best exemplify the credit union philosophy “People Helping People,” and demonstrate leadership, strong character, integrity, and community involvement.
5. Demonstrate financial need using the FAFSA; preference may be given to students with limited aid from other programs.
6. Demonstrate scholastic achievement: maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale, or have attained a GED score of 3,000.
7. Use the scholarship for full‑time student expenses: tuition, books, fees, course supplies, and transportation.
8. Agree to remain enrolled at the community college where the scholarship was awarded for the scholarship’s duration (four consecutive fall/spring semesters) or until completion of a diploma program. Scholarships are not transferable to another student or another school.
9. Not be a director, employee, or family member of a director or employee of SECU or the SECU Foundation, nor a family member of a member of the scholarship selection committee.

Definition of “family member” (for eligibility disqualification)
For this scholarship, “family member” includes: spouse; parents; siblings; children; grandchildren; great‑grandchildren; spouses of children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren; and anyone living in the same residence and sharing a single economic unit with a SECU/SECU Foundation director, employee, or selection committee member.

If you’re interested, contact your community college financial aid office for application forms and deadlines.