Longleaf Commitment Grant extended to 2020 high school graduates

Many recent high school graduate students in Kinston can go to community college for free with the Longleaf Commitment Grants. The Longleaf Commitment Grant, which had previously been held only for 2021 high school graduates, has now opened up to 2020 high school graduates. This grant provides money for up to two years for degree-seeking community college students. The grant provides $700- $2,800 for students.

Thomas Stith, President of the N.C. Community College System, said the desired outcome for the grants was “To provide financial support for individuals to pursue their higher education through the Community College system. This grant can cover up to 2 years which is the total amount of time it takes to complete an associate degree. A path-way to success that would pursue their higher education through the Community College system.” 

Stith continued, “There is now more funding available to extend the grant to 2020 high school graduates.” 

The money was made available through Governor Copper’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER), using money from federal COVID-19 relief packages. 

“The initial grants were for 2021 high school graduates,” said Stith. “There is now more funding available to extend the grant to 2020 high school graduates. So far, just in the fall semester, 11,000 students have received some part of the grant.”

The current eligibility requirements for the grant are that the student must be a graduate from a N.C. high school in 2020 or 2021. They must be a N.C. resident and a first-time college student. Enroll in a curriculum program during the Spring 2022 academic year. Enroll in at least six credit hours per semester, and complete the FAFSA for 2021-2022.

“North Carolina Community College is a provider of accessible and affordable pathway to education,” said Stith. “We are at the forefront of preparing students for business and job opportunities.” 

Any student who is eligible for this grant can enroll at any of the 58 Community Colleges in the state.