Greene County student chosen for Golden Leaf Foundation scholarship

The Golden LEAF Foundation has announced that a Greene County student was among 215 rural North Carolina students who were selected to receive up to a $14,000 Golden LEAF Scholarship.

Greene County’s recipient is Amyrah Bynum of Greene Central High School, who plans to attend East Carolina University.

High school seniors entering college as first year students are eligible for a $3,500 scholarship each year for up to four years of undergraduate study at a participating four-year North Carolina college or university. Community college transfer students are eligible for $3,500 a year for up to three years of undergraduate study.

Recipients from rural or economically distressed North Carolina counties are selected based on future career goals and an expressed intent to contribute to the state’s rural communities upon graduation from college.

The Golden LEAF Foundation established the Golden LEAF Scholarship Program to broaden educational opportunities and provide support to students from rural counties with the goal that recipients will return and contribute to rural communities after graduation. The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) administers the program and selects students for awards.

“We are proud to award scholarships to hardworking and bright students with deep roots in their rural communities,” said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF Foundation president and chief executive officer.

“These students were selected out of a pool of nearly 2,000 applicants. We look forward to the future success of these scholarship recipients as they follow their education pursuits and develop into North Carolina’s next generation of rural leaders.”

Scholarship recipients may also apply for the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative. The Rural Internship Initiative provides Golden LEAF Scholars with professional work experience related to their career field in a rural North Carolina community. The Golden LEAF Foundation provides funding to pay interns $15 per hour for up to 400 hours of work. Internships take place between May and August.

“I congratulate all of the Golden LEAF Scholarship recipients from my district,” said Sen. Buck Newton. “These students should be proud of their great accomplishment and having their hard work and dedication recognized. I wish them the best in their bright futures ahead.”

“I am thrilled to congratulate the exceptional students from N.C. House District 12 selected as this year’s Golden LEAF Scholars,” said Rep. Chris Humphrey. “The Golden LEAF Foundation’s investment ensures our young people are equipped with the skills and experiences necessary to drive economic and community growth. Our past Golden LEAF Scholars from District 12 have excelled in fields such as engineering, business, entrepreneurship, and government affairs, showcasing our district’s incredible potential. I am confident these talented students will significantly contribute to our rural areas, creating a prosperous future for North Carolina.”