Brave Scholars Program

Application for the 2023 Cohort is now closed.

The application for 2024 submissions will begin in the fall of 2023.

In partnership with Columbus County Schools, Public Schools of Robeson County, Scotland County Schools, and Whiteville City Schools, the School of Education is excited to introduce the Brave Scholars program.

The Brave Scholars program is needs based scholarship that seeks to provide financial and professional support to future elementary and special education educators who make a commitment to serve in one of our partner districts following graduation.

Benefits:

Tuition and Fees
Health Insurance
Meal Plan
Professional Development (In-state, out of state, international opportunities)
Dedicated faculty support
Housing supplement
Living and Learning Community

Steering Committee

Cassie Cartrette	Columbus County Schools
LaToya Green	Columbus County Schools
Jadell Hawks	Public Schools of Robeson County
Melissa Thompson	Public Schools of Robeson County
Michael Riles	Scotland County Schools
Billie Jo Harris	Scotland County Schools
Beverly Turner	Whiteville City Schools
Michael Hobbs	Whiteville City Schools

UNCP Project Team

Loury Floyd	Principal Investigator
Gretchen Robinson	Co-PI
Leslie Locklear	Co-PI
Lisa Mitchell	Co-PI
LaMorris Smith	School of Education Recruitment Director

Questions?

Email: BraveScholarsProgram@uncp.edu

For more information on the program and to stay up to date with our deadlines, please join our mailing list!

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Who is eligible for this scholarship?
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered for the Brave Scholars Program:
- Provide documentation of demonstrated financial need (A FAFSA must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid)
- Be accepted to enroll in an approved educator preparation program leading to initial licensure at UNC Pembroke
- Be one of the following:
  - A North Carolina high school senior; able to use an award of up to eight (8) semesters
  - A student transferring from a community college applying to the educator preparation program
- Minimum Academic Requirements:
  - Students must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.75
What if I want to teach something other than Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12) – can I still apply?

Only those willing to teach in elementary education (grades K-6) or special education (grades K-12) are eligible to apply and be considered for the program. Students are welcome to complete minors in other areas of study
What obligations do I need to meet to receive support from the Brave Scholars Program?

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 while at UNC Pembroke

• Participate in all Brave Scholars programming activities (unless an exception is requested and approved by the program coordinator)

• Uphold the North Carolina Teacher Code of Ethics

• Apply to Brave Scholars prior to admission to the Educator Preparation Program

Application and Selection

What does the application process look like?
Students must complete the application listed on our website which includes:
- General Demographic Information
- Provide a copy of an unofficial transcript
- 650 maximum word essay
- 2-minute video
- 2 letters of recommendation from a teacher or educational professional
- Once all eligible applications are reviewed, finalists will be selected and invited to participate in a finalist interview day during February. Following the interviews, the Brave Scholars Committee will meet to make the final selection for those applicants who will be offered a Brave Scholars Scholarship. All applicants will be notified of their status by the end of March.
Who can I ask to write a letter of recommendation?

Recommendations should come from a teacher or educational professional who knows the applicant well enough to speak of their character and work ethic as a student.

• Recommenders can be a teacher, coaches, school counselors, advisors, or anyone who serves in an educational capacity.
If I am selected as a Brave Scholar, am I automatically guaranteed acceptance as a student at UNC Pembroke?

No. Students must be first accepted by the university and submit an intent to enroll before being confirmed as a Brave Scholars participant.
What do I need to know for the finalist interview?
- Please prepare for a 25-minute interview in front of the Brave Scholars Committee
- All applicants should dress in business attire

Financial Commitment

How long do I have to work in one of the three partner districts?

Each year of scholarship assistance equals one year of service at a school in one of our partner counties (Columbus, Robeson, Scotland)
What if I can’t find a job teaching in one of the three participating districts?

The program will ensure that you are a top candidate for employment with one of our participating partnering districts.
What if I decide to change majors or move to a different school?

Students who decide to change majors will no longer be eligible for the scholarship.