2022 N.C. high school graduates enrolling in community college could receive tuition assistance through Longleaf Commitment Grant
Qualifying recent high school graduates could have tuition covered at one of “The Great 58” community colleges in North Carolina
RALEIGH, NC – Students in North Carolina who graduated high school in 2022 are eligible to have tuition and fees covered at any of the state’s 58 community colleges through the Longleaf Commitment Grant. The grant provides between $700 – $2,800 to recent high school graduates to cover the cost of tuition and fees for up to two years at a North Carolina Community College. 2022 high school graduates in North Carolina are eligible for the grant money to use for current and subsequent semesters through Fall 2024.
North Carolina was recently named “America’s Top State for Business in 2022” by CNBC, highlighting the importance of an educated and talented workforce, in addition to the vital role that the 58 North Carolina community colleges play in the state’s workforce development. The Longleaf Commitment Grant aims to provide students with a more affordable option and greater access to higher education, increasing the talent pipeline for growing industries in North Carolina – health care, energy, information technology, real estate and transportation, among others.
“North Carolina’s community college system, one of the largest in the country, is critical as the state seeks to provide the necessary workforce for its economic future,” said Dr. Kimberly Gold, Chief of Staff at the NC Community College System. “The Longleaf Commitment Grant makes community college more affordable – increasing academic and career opportunities for students across the state.”
In May 2021, Governor Roy Cooper’s office launched the Longleaf Commitment Grant in partnership with the NC Community College System and the State Education Assistance Authority, demonstrating the state’s continued commitment to developing and training a strong, educated workforce. The grant is funded by Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funds.
“The impact of the Longleaf Commitment Grant for 2020 and 2021 high school graduates has been staggering,” said Dr. Levy Brown, Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at the NC Community College System. “In just the last two semesters, the Longleaf Commitment Grant has made higher education more accessible for over 25,000 high school students across our state – supporting stronger social mobility for more North Carolinians by helping them attain jobs with higher earning potential.”
For full-time students to receive the Longleaf Commitment Grant and take full advantage of the opportunity, they must follow the below steps and meet the eligibility requirements:
Apply for admission to any North Carolina community college
Complete the 2022-2023 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submission process
Note – The FAFSA and enrollment information are used to determine eligibility. There is not an application specifically for the Longleaf Commitment Grant.
Eligibility Requirements:
Be a North Carolina resident
Be a 2022 North Carolina high school graduate [High school equivalency completers (GED, HiSET) are eligible]
Be a first-time college student [Career & College Promise (CCP) and Early/Middle College High School students are eligible]
Be enrolled in a curriculum program for the 2022-2023 academic year
Be taking at least 6 credit hours per semester (Part-time eligible students will receive a partial award)
Be a student who has completed the 2022-2023 FAFSA (with a resulting Expected Family Contribution or EFC between $0-$15,000).
For additional information, visit www.yourhireeducation.com/tuitionfree
About the North Carolina Community College System
The North Carolina Community College System is a network created to improve the quality of life across North Carolina by opening the door to opportunities that minimize barriers to post-secondary education, maximize student success and develop a globally and multi-culturally competent workforce. The 58 institutions located throughout the state work to provide easy access to low-cost, high-quality educational opportunities and academic support that focuses on increasing employability. For more information, please visit: www.nccommunitycolleges.edu.
