NC foundation awards over $1M in Hurricane Helene relief scholarships – WCNC
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The North Carolina Community Foundation awarded scholarships to 110 students from 24 western North Carolina counties whose college finances were hindered by Hurricane Helene.
The Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship program will provide more than $1.3 million in support through 2029, with more than $500,000 distributed for the 2025-26 school year. Students can renew the scholarships in subsequent years.
“These students have shown incredible strength and resilience in the face of significant challenges experienced after Hurricane Helene,” Kathryn Holding, NCCF Vice President of Philanthropic Services, said. “We’re honored to help them stay on track toward their degrees and long-term goals.”
The scholarships went to incoming freshmen, current undergraduates and graduate students at two-and four-year colleges and universities. Of the students awarded, 44% are incoming first-year students, 42% are undergraduates and 13% are graduates. Eleven percent of the recipients attend community colleges, while 89% are enrolled at four-year institutions.
Anna Barnette, a Mars Hill resident who attends Emmanuel University, said the scholarship relieves financial strain on her family.
“This scholarship relieves the financial strain on my family and enables me to pursue my education with peace of mind,” Barnette said. “It is a blessing I will never forget.”
Jesus Ramos-Tellez, a Marion resident who attends McDowell Technical Community College, said his family was significantly affected by Helene.
“This scholarship is especially meaningful because my family was affected tremendously by Hurricane Helene last year, which made our financial situation even harder,” Ramos-Tellez said. “NCCF’s support brings real relief and hope during a time when it’s truly needed.”
The foundation previously used the fund to support students affected by Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. The program may be reactivated for future disasters at the discretion of the foundation’s statewide board grants committee.
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