Longleaf Commitment Grant to help NC High School Grads enroll in one of state’s 58 Community Colleges
Published: June 3, 2021Funds to come from the Governors Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund through federal COVID-19 relief packages.
Eligible 2021 North Carolina High School Graduates can have their tuition and fees covered at any one of the state’s community colleges for up to two years thanks to the Longleaf Commitment Grant.
High school students may be eligible to receive this grant for tuition and fees toward a degree or transfer credit. Full-time eligible students are guaranteed to receive $700 to $2,800 per year, for a total of two years. Less than full-time students may receive a partial award.
Funds for the program are provided by the Governors Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund through federal COVID-19 relief packages. So far, Governor Roy Cooper has awarded $86.4 million of GEER funds, including $15 million to state community colleges to fund grants for students in high-demand workforce training programs. Johnston Community College offers more than 20 eligible course options for GEER funding.
This new Longleaf Grant Program provides even more opportunity for students, as they can use the grant for curriculum programs offered at JCC.
To be eligible you must: be a graduate from a North Carolina high school in 2021, be a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes, be a first-time college student (students who have earned college credit through Career & College Promise and Early/Middle College high school and have now graduated high school are also eligible,) enroll in a curriculum program during the 2021-22 academic year, enroll in at least 6 credit hours per semester, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2021-22, have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from $0 - $15,000 (based on FAFSA determination), renew your FAFSA for the 2022-23 academic year, and meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements of the college.
You can get started by applying to JCC and filling out your FAFSA. If you have questions regarding your financial aid or need help with your FAFSA, contact us at (919) 209-2036 or reach out to one of our financial aid staff.