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Community Scholars

The Office of Community Scholars is located in the historic President’s House.  The Office provides a sense of community for students who participate in one of the Division of Student Affairs’ scholarship programs. Each of these programs provide unique opportunities. Recipients are selected through an application process.

Students sit in a group with notebooks in front of them at Michener Quad

Explore your interests

Becoming a community scholar gives you the chance to explore your interests in a supportive community that encourages your passions. It can open doors to new opportunities, helping you grow both academically and personally while pursuing what excites you most.

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Meet new people

Becoming a community scholar allows you to meet new people who share your goals and values, creating lasting connections. It’s a great way to build a supportive network and learn from diverse perspectives as you grow together.

A large group of scholarship recipients pose for a photo

Strengthen your community

As a community scholar, you strengthen your community by building strong connections and fostering a sense of belonging. Your involvement helps create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Get support with college costs

Becoming a community scholar provides valuable financial support that can help make college more affordable. This assistance allows you to focus more on your studies and personal growth without the constant worry of expenses.

First generation scholarship recipients pose for a photo at an event

Gain valuable leadership experience

As a community scholar, you gain valuable leadership experience by guiding initiatives that make a positive impact. This opportunity helps you develop essential skills like communication, collaboration, and decision-making that are vital for your future success.

Our Programs

Reisher Scholars Program

The Reisher Scholars Program (RSP) serves over 100 students at UNC. Community, service, and interpersonal support are at the heart of the program. A cohort of sophomores and community college transfers joins the program each fall.

Reisher scholars group photo

Daniels Scholars Program

The Daniels Scholars Success Program (DSSP) helps Daniels Scholars thrive through connection, community, leadership, and service opportunities.

Daniels Scholars take a group photo at an event.

President's Leadership Program

In the President’s Leadership Program (PLP), you will become a student leader, earn a scholarship, and strengthen your community at UNC and beyond! 

President's Leadership Program scholars pose for a group photo.

Stryker Institute for Leadership Development

The Stryker Institute for Leadership Development is a participation-based scholarship program that serves women from underrepresented groups and supports scholars in their identity and leadership development.

Stryker scholars pose for a group photo at a banquet

COSI

The UNC COSI program provides over $3.4 million in state-funded scholarships and support services to more than 400 UNC students each year. These resources are designed to help you succeed in and out of the classroom—from financial assistance to personalized guidance and mentorship.

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Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Looking for more support? Each year, students receive awards from UNC’s leaders of the past and present. Check out these scholarship opportunities from the Division of Student Affairs.

For questions regarding any of these scholarships, please reach out to Sheridan Snapp.

The Robert and Ludie Dickeson Presidential Prize for Leadership Award is presented to two students per year. This cash award was created to acknowledge and reward student leadership on campus at UNC. To be eligible, you must be a senior with a GPA of 3.0 or above and be considered a student leader by your peers, faculty, staff, and UNC community.  

How to Apply: Please check back here for an application link in February! 

Scholarships Available Per Year: 2 cash awards of at least $1,000 

The UNC Emerging Leaders Scholarship is awarded to junior or senior students who hold leadership roles in campus activities such as Student Government, Residence Life, and Student Organizations. To be eligible, you must have a 2.5 GPA or above and be employed while attending UNC. 

How to Apply: UNC Universal Scholarship Application through Ursa 

When to Apply: Application opens November 1 and closes March 1

Scholarships Available Per Year: 1 award 

Award Amount: $4,000 each 

The Wray J. and Ruth W. Rominger Sorority Scholarship is awarded to an active, initiated sorority member with full-time enrollment (12 credits), at least 30 completed credits at UNC, a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or above. This scholarship is renewable. 

How to Apply: UNC Universal Scholarship Application through Ursa 

When to Apply: Application opens November 1 and closes March 1

Scholarships Available Per Year: 1 award 

Award Amount: $1,025 each 

The Jean Schober Morrell Dean of Students Distinguished Service Scholarship is awarded to a senior undergraduate student who has demonstrated leadership in activities on campus. Applicants must have a 3.2 GPA or above to be considered. Apply in the spring semester of your junior year.  

How to Apply: UNC Universal Scholarship Application through Ursa 

When to Apply: Application opens November 1 and closes March 1

Scholarships Available Per Year: 2 awards 

Award Amount: $1,400 in total  

The Jerry Tanner Leadership Scholarship is awarded to a senior undergraduate student who demonstrates the qualities of leadership in UNC Student Government, University Program Council, or The Mirror. Applicants must have a 3.2 GPA or above to be considered. Apply in the spring semester of your junior year.  

How to Apply: UNC Universal Scholarship Application through Ursa 

When to Apply: Application opens November 1 and closes March 1

Scholarships Available Per Year: 1 award 

Award Amount: $775 each 

The Winograd Dean of Students Scholarship is awarded to a full-time undergraduate student who demonstrates financial need and has a GPA of 3.0 or above. To be eligible, a student must have circumstances that prevent them from receiving other scholarships. Eligible circumstances will be determined at the committee’s discretion.  

How to Apply: UNC Universal Scholarship Application through Ursa 

When to Apply: Application opens November 1 and closes March 1

Scholarships Available Per Year: 1 award 

Award Amount: $1,275 each