Burke County students can apply now for NCCF college scholarships, most due March 3

Burke County students and families looking for help paying for college can now apply for more than 130 scholarships through the North Carolina Community Foundation, with options open to students in all 100 counties.

The North Carolina Community Foundation announced Dec. 17 that its scholarship slate for the new cycle is open, including awards for traditional and nontraditional students and for students attending community colleges, universities, and other institutions.

Because eligibility varies widely, students are encouraged to complete the NCCF Universal Scholarships Application through the NCCF Scholarships Portal. The free application matches students to scholarships using details such as county of residence, GPA, and intended major. After answering initial questions, students receive a list of scholarships they may qualify for and can submit any additional information required.

Step by step instructions and frequently asked questions are available at nccommunityfoundation.org/Scholarships.

Students and guardians who want a walkthrough can register for a virtual information session at 6 p.m. Jan. 13, 2026. The optional session is hosted with the North Carolina State Educational Assistance Authority.

In 2025, the foundation awarded more than 3 million dollars in scholarships to more than 500 students statewide, including 1.3 million dollars to 110 students through the NCCF Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship for western North Carolina students whose ability to pay for college was affected by Hurricane Helene. NCCF plans to offer that scholarship again this year for incoming freshmen from counties most impacted by the storm.

“Our scholarships cover a wide variety of interests, fields and goals,” NCCF President and CEO Jennifer Tolle Whiteside said. “We encourage all students to explore these opportunities to help further their education.”

Most scholarship applications are due by 11:59 p.m. March 3, 2026. The foundation said about a dozen scholarships have separate applications and different deadlines, and students should review criteria and instructions listed on the portal.