Twelve Eastern North Carolina students will join the third cohort of the N.C. State University College of Education’s Transformational Scholarships Program.
The news release states that the Anonymous Trust funds a minimum of $40,000 in four-year scholarships for eastern North Carolina high school students who aim to teach there after graduation.
Eight elementary education majors, two mathematics majors, one middle grades English language arts and social studies major, and one technology, engineering, and design education major make up the third cohort of Transformational Scholars from seven eastern North Carolina counties:
- Malaya Beasley, Onslow County, Swansboro High School, Elementary Education Major
- Braxton Cumbo, Craven County, Havelock High School, Technology, Engineering, and Design Education Major
- Katie Dodson, Sampson County, Southern Wayne High School, Elementary Education Major
- Jazmin Garcia, Johnston County, Johnston County Early College Academy, Middle Grades Language Arts and Social Studies Major
- Eve Jones, Dare County, Manteo High School, Elementary Education Major
- Brooklynn Koonce, Onslow County, Jacksonville High School, Elementary Education Major
- Andrea Loera Valdez, Edgecombe County, Edgecombe Early College High School, Elementary Education Major
- Haleigh Meliti, Onslow County, Jacksonville High School, Elementary Education Major
- Nyla Polk, Sampson County, Hobbton High School, Elementary Education Major
- Lyla Sherwood, New Hanover County, E.A. Laney High School, Elementary Education Major
- Phoebe Spradley, Nash County, Faith Christian School, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)
- Ka’Viya White, Edgecombe County, Edgecombe Early College High School, Mathematics Education (High School)
“This cohort represents the dedication and resiliency present in Eastern North Carolina,” said Transformational Scholarships Program director Trisha Mackey. “They are passionate about becoming transformational teacher leaders and returning to the region to change education.”
Transformational Scholars earn a minimum of $10,000 per year in scholarship support for up to four years, with extra financial support available to individuals with greater need to meet their FAFSA-determined financial need. Scholars also receive funding for studies abroad and conferences.
They participate in field experiences, summer employment, student teaching, and other programs at the College of Education to prepare to teach in Eastern North Carolina after graduating.
They also learn from College of Education faculty and education leaders in Eastern North Carolina, including graduates of NC State’s Educational Leadership Academies (NELA), and form lifetime bonds with their cohort.