Paying for college doesn't have to be confusing. If you are curious about how grant money can help fund your education, this video breaks down essential points about college grants including who is eligible, how to stay eligible, how grants work and more.
Grants
College shouldn't break the bank. Grants for college students, such as Pell Grants and other federal educational grants, are a valuable form of financial aid you don't have to repay (except in certain circumstances). To be considered for these grants, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Grants 101
Six Key Facts About College Grant Money
Federal Grants
Did you know that the federal government funds federal financial aid programs? Explore
the options available to you as a UNC Pembroke student.
Pell Grant
As a foundational source of federal financial aid, Pell Grants can open doors to other federal and nonfederal aid. They’re designed to provide essential funding support for those with financial need. For more information about Pell Grants, check out these videos.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity
This grant is for students with the greatest financial need. If you’re a Pell Grant recipient with a low Expected Family Contribution (EFC), you’ll be among the first to be considered for FSEOG funds to help cover educational costs.
TEACH Grant
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.
North Carolina State Grants and Scholarships
UNC Grants
Available for eligible students across the 16 UNC campuses, UNC Grants funds provide support for North Carolina students pursuing their degrees at a public university in the state.
Golden LEAF Scholarship
This scholarship program supports North Carolina residents attending college in-state, particularly those from rural or economically distressed counties.
North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (ELS)
For North Carolina residents with demonstrated financial need, the ELS assists students in eligible in-state colleges and universities.
Specialized North Carolina Programs
NC Reach Program
NC Reach offers financial support for your college education if you’ve aged out of North Carolina public foster care or were adopted from the system after age 12.
Forgivable Education Loans for Service
If you want to pursue a career in fields like teaching, nursing, allied health or medicine, you can receive financial support through forgivable loans, provided you work in critical employment areas within North Carolina.
Financial Support for Real-World Learning
UNC Pembroke offers the Experiential Learning Grant to help students succeed in internships, fellowships, apprenticeships and other real-world learning experiences. This grant provides financial support to those facing unmet basic needs, such as transportation, food, housing and more. If you have any questions, please contact our Basic Needs Project Manager, Anthony Hunt, at 910.775.4381 or email Anthony.Hunt2@uncp.edu.
What Is Experiential Learning?
Experiential learning enables you to apply classroom knowledge to real-world settings through:
- Internships (paid or unpaid)
- Micro-internships
- Service-learning projects
- Student employment and externships
- Volunteering, apprenticeships and study abroad
- Clinical placements, fellowships, student teaching and field experiences
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Experiential Learning Grant, applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled and registered at UNCP
- Be engaged in or planning a recognized experiential learning opportunity
- Require support for basic needs such as transportation, food, housing, technology, childcare or health and wellness
Application Requirements
- Location/Site Information: Details of the experiential learning site, including supervisor contact information
- Proof of Participation: Internship offer letter or equivalent
- Dates of Engagement: Start and end dates of the learning opportunity
- Documentation of Need: Explanation of unmet needs related to food, housing, childcare, technology, health care or transportation
Be sure to submit the Proof of Experiential Learning Document with your application.
Next NC Scholarship
The Next NC Scholarship is a financial aid program that helps most North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less pursue higher education by fully covering tuition and fees at any community college
or more than half, if not all, of tuition and fees to attend any public university
in the state. The best part? It’s money that doesn’t have to be repaid.
The Next NC Scholarship combines the federal Pell Grant with the state-funded financial aid program to form a simplified and predictable scholarship award that’s easier to understand and makes education more affordable for most North Carolinians. It’s an opportunity to pursue the degree you need for the career you want – and the future you choose.
Learn More
The Next NC Scholarship combines the federal Pell Grant with the state-funded financial aid program to form a simplified and predictable scholarship award that’s easier to understand and makes education more affordable for most North Carolinians. It’s an opportunity to pursue the degree you need for the career you want – and the future you choose.
First Americans' Teacher Education Program (FATE)
The FATE program is dedicated to preparing American Indian students for careers in
education, addressing the critical need for qualified American Indian teachers in
schools serving Native communities.
Program Goals
The primary goal of the FATE grant program is to increase the number of American Indian teachers equipped to work in American Indian communities.
This program addresses the shortage of American Indian teachers by providing financial assistance to remove obstacles that often prevent students from pursuing teaching degrees while also offering essential professional development.
As North Carolina's historic American Indian university, UNCP is proud to train the next generation of classroom teachers and K-12 administrators.
Financial Support
The FATE program offers significant financial assistance to remove barriers to obtaining a teaching degree. Covered expenses include:
- Tuition and Fees
- Employment and Childcare Stipends
- Books
- Praxis II Testing Fees
- Education Supplies
- Conference Attendance Costs
Professional Development & Resources
FATE provides a range of support services:
- Praxis II Support Workshops
- Professional Development Seminars
- Tutoring Services
- Laptop
- Professional Networking
Post-Graduation Support
FATE continues to assist new teachers for two years after graduation, offering critical support.:
- Induction and Mentoring: Two full years of guidance and mentorship for new teachers.
- Ongoing Professional Development: Continued access to resources and support for new teachers.
More Aid Opportunities
Explore key scholarship opportunities and specialized financial aid programs through our video series. Get insights into resources like the SEANC Scholarship, UNC Need-Based Grants and more.
Have Questions?
If you have questions, reach out to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at:
Lumbee Hall
PO Box 1510 Pembroke, NC 28372
Phone: 910.521.6255
Fax: 910.775.4159
Email: fa@uncp.edu
Business Hours:
8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
