NC Reach Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by North Carolina Government

Description Overview

NC Reach is a state-funded scholarship program that supports eligible students pursuing undergraduate study at North Carolina public universities and community colleges. The program covers up to four years of undergraduate study and pairs financial assistance with student support services designed to help participants succeed in postsecondary education. NC Reach is delivered through a partnership between state agencies and nonprofit program staff who coordinate eligibility verification and student outreach.

Key takeaways

• State-funded scholarship for undergraduate study at NC public institutions.
• Supports up to four years of study.
• Combines financial aid with student support services.
• Administered through coordinated state and partner organization efforts.

Eligibility Who qualifies

Eligibility is limited to North Carolina legal residents who meet specific foster-care and guardianship-related criteria. Qualified applicants include those adopted from NC Division of Social Services (DSS) foster care after age 12, those who aged out of NC DSS foster care at age 18 (having been in care on their 18th birthday), and those who exited foster care to a permanent home through guardianship with Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KinGAP) support. Applicants must also be enrolled at one of the state’s public community colleges or universities.

Key takeaways

• Must be a legal resident of North Carolina (in-state tuition eligible).
• Eligible if adopted from NC DSS foster care after age 12, aged out at 18, or exited via KinGAP guardianship.
• Must be enrolled at an NC public community college or university.
• Residency and foster-care/guardianship criteria are both required.

Enrollment and

Duration Minimum enrollment and age limits

Participants must be enrolled at least half-time to maintain eligibility—specifically, in at least six credit hours. The award covers up to four years of undergraduate study at eligible NC public institutions. Students remain eligible for NC Reach until their 26th birthday; after that date, participation ends.

Key takeaways

• Minimum enrollment: 6 credit hours (half-time).
• Award duration: up to four years of undergraduate study.
• Eligibility expires on the student’s 26th birthday.

Eligibility

Determination and

Notification How decisions are made and communicated

Initial eligibility is determined by the North Carolina Division of Social Services (DSS); NC Reach cannot engage a student until DSS confirms eligibility. After DSS makes a determination, the program’s partner staff (Foster Care to Success coordinators) contact the applicant. If eligible, the assigned coordinator reaches out by phone and email to the student and the school listed on the application; if ineligible, the student receives a notification explaining the reason.

Key takeaways

• DSS performs the official eligibility determination.
• NC Reach engagement begins only after DSS confirmation.
• Eligible students receive phone and email contact from a coordinator.
• Ineligible applicants are formally notified with an explanation.

Funding

Application and

Student

Support Order of funding and types of support

NC Reach funding is applied to a student’s account only after all other financial aid, public funds, and scholarships have been processed. In addition to financial assistance, the program provides comprehensive student support intended to help participants navigate academic, administrative, and transitional challenges associated with postsecondary education. These services are coordinated by program staff who work directly with each student and their institution.

Key takeaways

• NC Reach funds are applied after other scholarships and public aid.
• Financial assistance is complemented by comprehensive support services.
• Program staff coordinate support and liaise with institutions on behalf of students.

Additional information needed Where to find missing details

This summary covers the program’s purpose, eligibility categories, enrollment requirements, determination process, and general funding approach. Specific details not provided here—such as application deadlines, exact award amounts, and examples of support services—are available from the official NC Reach website or by contacting the program coordinator at Foster Care to Success.

Key takeaways

• Application deadlines and award amounts are not included in this summary.
• Consult the official NC Reach website or program coordinators for full details.
• Contact program staff for institution-specific or personal eligibility questions.