Students who graduated from a North Carolina high school in 2021 may be eligible for grants of $700-$2,800 a year for two years if they enroll this fall at one of the state's 58 community colleges.

The new Longleaf Commitment Program provides grants, not loans. Funds do not have to be repaid. The program starts for the Fall 2021 semester and will conclude at the end of the Spring 2023 semester.

Here are the eligibility requirements:

•2021 graduate of a North Carolina high school.

•Be a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes.

•Be a first-time college student (Career & College Promise and Early/Middle College High School students are eligible).

•Enroll in a curriculum program during the 2021-22 academic year with at least 6 credit hours per semester.

•Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2021-22.

•Have an Expected Family Contribution from $0 – $15,000. (EFC is based upon student’s FAFSA determination).

•Renew FAFSA for the 2022-23 academic year and meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements of the college
The program will supplement the federal Pell grant and existing aid with the aim of helping students earn an associate degree and/or credits to transfer to a four-year college of university in North Carolina.

Students do not have to make a separate application for a Longleaf Commitment Program grant. They will be automatically considered for the grant upon applying to FTCC for Fall 2021. Those who meet the eligibility requirements will receive an award letter from the financial aid office.

For information about FTCC’s admissions process visit www.faytechcc.edu/apply-now/ftcc-admissions/#steps or contact the Admissions office at admissions@faytechcc.edu or 910-678-8473.

For more information about the Longleaf Commitment Program visit www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/student-services/north-carolina-longleaf-commitment-grant