NC Reach Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by North Carolina Government

Think of NC Reach as a safety net for students who spent time in North Carolina’s foster care system and now want to attend a public college or university in the state. It’s a state-funded scholarship that can cover up to four years of undergraduate study at NC public universities or community colleges. Importantly, NC Reach funds are applied after all other financial aid, public funds, and scholarships have been processed — and the program also provides ongoing student support to help you navigate college life and succeed.

How the funding and support work
- Scholarship money is available for up to 4 years of undergraduate study at NC public colleges or universities.
- NC Reach is applied after all other financial aid, public funds, and scholarships — it fills remaining need.
- Beyond money, the program offers comprehensive student supports so you have help with academics, paperwork, and staying on track.

Who is eligible
To qualify, students must meet all of the following:
- Be a legal resident of North Carolina and eligible for in-state tuition.
- Either:
- Have been adopted from NC Division of Social Services (DSS) foster care after age 12, OR
- Have “aged out” of NC DSS foster care at age 18 (meaning they were in care on their 18th birthday).
- Or have exited foster care to a permanent home through guardianship with the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KinGAP).
- Be enrolled in one of North Carolina’s public institutions (one of the 74 NC public community colleges or a public university).
- Be under age 26 (eligibility continues until your 26th birthday).
- Be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.

How eligibility is determined after you apply
- The NC Division of Social Services (DSS) reviews applications and makes the official eligibility decision. NC Reach cannot begin working with you until DSS determines you are eligible.
- After DSS makes a determination, Foster Care to Success (the program partner) will follow up:
- If you are found eligible: a coordinator who works with the school you listed on your application will contact you by phone and email.
- If you are found ineligible: you will be notified and given the reason for the decision.

Takeaway
NC Reach is meant to reduce financial barriers and provide support to students from NC foster care as they pursue college. If you think you meet the criteria, the next step is to complete the application so DSS can review your eligibility — and then a Foster Care to Success coordinator will reach out with the next steps.