NC Community College Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by SECU Foundation

Overview The SECU Foundation funds a two-year scholarship initiative to support students enrolled in the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS). Backed by members of State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU), the program reflects the credit union’s commitment to “People Helping People” and to strengthening communities across North Carolina. Award details - A total of 116 scholarships are available, each worth up to $5,000. - Every North Carolina community college will be allocated two scholarships each academic year. - Awards are paid in two installments per academic year: $1,250 for the fall term and $1,250 for the spring term, up to four consecutive semesters (maximum award $5,000). Selection process Recipients are chosen by the Scholarship Selection Committee at each community college. A completed Student Data Form must be submitted for consideration. The committee looks for students who best reflect the credit union’s philosophy of People Helping People and who demonstrate leadership, strong character, integrity, and community service. Awards are made without regard to race, sex, color, creed, religious preference, age, national origin or disability. Additional information is available through the college financial aid office. Eligibility requirements To be eligible for the SECU Foundation People Helping People scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following conditions: 1. Be a high school graduate or have completed the 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 as defined by NCGS 116‑143.1 and qualify for in‑state tuition. 3. Not have previously received the SECU two‑year People Helping People scholarship; each year’s recipients must be new awardees. 4. Exemplify the credit union membership philosophy (People Helping People) and demonstrate leadership, excellence of character, integrity, and involvement in the community. 5. Demonstrate financial need as shown by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); preference may be given to applicants receiving limited financial assistance from other sources. 6. Show academic achievement by maintaining a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale or by having attained a GED score of 3,000. 7. Use scholarship funds to cover full‑time student expenses such as tuition, books, fees, course supplies, and transportation. 8. Agree to remain enrolled at the same community college where they were attending at the time the scholarship is awarded for the full duration of the scholarship (four consecutive fall/spring semesters) or until completion of a diploma program. Scholarships cannot be transferred to another student or to a different institution. Preference Preference will be given to students whose parents, guardians, or family members are public sector employees — including state, local, or federal government workers, public health staff, or public education employees — who live and work in North Carolina. Ineligibility Individuals who are directors, employees, or family members of a director or employee of SECU or the SECU Foundation, or family members of members of the scholarship selection committee, are not eligible. For the purposes of this program, “family member” includes spouse, parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, spouses of children/grandchildren/great‑grandchildren, and persons living in the same household and sharing a single economic unit with a director, employee, or selection committee member of SECU or the SECU Foundation. Contact / How to apply Students should contact their community college financial aid office for application details, to obtain the Student Data Form, and for any additional questions about the scholarship.