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First-year undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for the Carolina Innovation Scholarship Program, a special opportunity by the University of North Carolina that acknowledges future entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs are renowned for coming up with novel ways to take their ideas and turn them into realities that change the world. Often, this begins with coming up with creative ways to finance a project.
The same is true of financing education, which is a priceless tool for all upcoming organizational activities. Fortunately, there are lots of scholarships available for entrepreneurs.
The University of North Carolina’s (UNC) Carolina Innovation Scholarship is one of them. Even more support is offered in this program to assist you in making your ideas a reality.
So, without further ado, keep reading to find out how you can possibly win the scholarship.
About the Carolina Innovation Scholarship
The Carolina Innovation Scholarship Program supports scholars who are prepared to create new businesses or conduct in-depth research on a topic that interests them by giving them the tools and training necessary to make their ideas a reality. To put it another way, this scholarship is intended for aspiring business owners.
Entrepreneurs, in the opinion of UNC, are essential to a strong economy. By offering the Carolina Innovation Scholarship, the institution hopes to give financial aid to students seeking autonomous professional pathways.
This scholarship could help you network and assist your potential business. Also, it is considered financial aid that will offset the cost of your tuition and other expenses. Best of all, the award may even help you launch your business idea. As a result, you might achieve success and advance your career.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that by 2026, there will be 10.3 million self-employed people. And that many independent contractors hold positions that call for a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
In conclusion, if you believe you have the next great concept, this scholarship is for you.
Program Benefits
All qualified candidates will be assured admission to the minor in entrepreneurship and other important entrepreneurship courses. Students who want to major in another subject but are interested in the entrepreneurship process should consider this minor.
Therefore, they will have the necessary background to engage in entrepreneurial endeavors in the business, social, artistic, or scientific fields.
Furthermore, students who take the venture workshop course are required to choose a focus area from a list that includes commercial, media, social, artistic, scientific, marketing, sports, computer science, and public health.
They will also receive guidance with regard to internship placement, as it is a key component of the minor. Moreover, a wide and growing network of entrepreneurs and support organizations is available through this program.
They can rely on this network to introduce them to potential mentors and investors, as well as to help them make connections with key figures in pertinent organizations. It also covers the full cost of tuition, fees, room, and board, and is renewable for four years.
Eligibility Requirements
The Carolina Innovation Scholarship is only available to first-year students applying Early Action. Additionally, upon acceptance, successful applicants must:
- Take at least nine hours of their minor “core” requirements at UNC-Chapel Hill; and
- Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 in the minor core requirements.
Meanwhile, the minor itself consists of five courses:
- One principles of economics course
- One principles of entrepreneurship course
- One core course in entrepreneurship
- One track course
- Capstone course
Also, students must complete a 320-hour internship with a start-up or employer approved by the internship coordinator of the minor.
Nevertheless, it is also possible to complete the entrepreneurship minor through completing one economics course and then a one-semester Shuford Away program in Silicon Valley (California) or London.
The Carolina Innovation Scholarship Application
You only need to respond to the relevant questions on your application since there is not a separate application for this opportunity. At the same time you receive your admissions decision, you will be informed through your MyCarolina account if you have been chosen for the program.
Apply online through the Common Application. On the application, you will have to provide the following information:
- Extracurricular activities
- A personal essay and two short answers
- Global opportunities, if applicable
- The Carolina Innovation Scholarship application
- Application fee or fee waiver
Additionally, you will have to send the following supplemental materials to apply:
- A Letter of Recommendation
- Official transcript and school report
- College and university courses
- SAT or ACT scores
If you are selected as a finalist, this opportunity may require an additional application or interview.
Closing Date
Apply by the October 15 Early Action deadline to be considered for the Carolina Innovation Scholarship Program. Also, make sure to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS Profile by the priority deadline of March 1.
Contact Details
Have more questions regarding the program that we did not cover here? No worries! Reach out to Office of Undergraduate Admissions of the UNC at Chapel Hill by phone at (919) 966-3621 for a spot-on solution.
The Carolina Innovation Scholarship Official Website
Visit admissions.unc.edu to apply! Also, make sure to invite your friends or recommend the scholarship to those you think might benefit from the generous award.
Looking for other resources for college students? These scholarships may be perfect for you:
- $50,000 Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service Students
- $50,000 Niche.com No Essay Scholarship
- $30,000 Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarships
