Scholarship

Program Established:

2002

Purpose of Program

The Lift Up Carolinas Scholarship Program supports graduating high school seniors and previous scholarship recipients as they pursue higher education. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, financial need, and a demonstrated commitment to community service. Recipients must attend a public university within the University of North Carolina system or Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC).

Lift Up Carolinas Scholarship

Scholarships for Graduating Seniors

Each year, graduating high school seniors from Mecklenburg County are selected to receive scholarships of up to $12,000 to help cover tuition, books, fees, room, and board for their freshman year.

Scholarships for Previous Recipients

Students who previously received a Lift Up Carolinas scholarship can apply for continued support as they progress through college. Awards are based on continued academic achievement and service to the community.

CPCC Scholarships

Lift Up Carolinas also offers scholarships of up to $2,500 for students attending Central Piedmont Community College, helping cover costs such as tuition, books, and fees.

Application Process

An online application system allows for easy access, review, and processing. Applications open in December and are due in March for the upcoming fall term. Students can apply through the Lift Up Carolinas website or via scholarship platforms like Naviance and the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC).

🎓 Scholarship Applications Are Closed

Application Period: December 1, 2024 – March 9, 2025

Lift Up Carolinas awards college scholarships to high school seniors attending a school located in Mecklenburg County, as well as previous Lift Up Carolinas Scholarship recipients continuing their education. Scholarships are awarded based on community service, academic performance, and financial need.

📌 Eligibility Criteria

✅ Lift Up Carolinas Scholarship

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Not be a relative of a Lift Up Carolinas member

  • Be a graduating senior attending a high school in Mecklenburg County

  • Be a U.S. citizen

  • Have a minimum weighted GPA of 3.0

  • Score a minimum 1100 (SAT Math + Reading/Writing) or 21 on the ACT

  • Enroll as a full-time student for the fall and following spring semesters at one of the 17 campuses of the University of North Carolina System

✅ Lift Up Carolinas CPCC Scholarship

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Not be a relative of a Lift Up Carolinas member

  • Be a graduating senior attending a high school in Mecklenburg County

  • Be a U.S. citizen

  • Have a minimum weighted GPA of 2.5

  • Enroll as a full-time student for the fall and following spring semesters at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC)

✅ Lift Up Carolinas Previous Recipient Scholarship

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Not be a relative of a Lift Up Carolinas member

  • Attend one of the 17 universities in the UNC System or CPCC as a full-time student

  • Demonstrate continued community service involvement

  • Hold a minimum GPA of 2.5 at the time of application

Program Impacts 2023-2024

  • 13 scholarships awarded

  • $73,500 in total awards

  • Over $686,200 awarded since the program began in 2002

Lift Up Carolinas Scholarship

Funding

Scholarships are made possible through through grants, corporate and private donations, fundraising events, and proceeds from the Lift Up Carolinas Thrift Store.

Why It Matters

Education changes lives. The Scholarship Program removes financial barriers and opens the door to college for hardworking students who want to make a difference in their communities.

Lift Up Carolinas