Scholarship
Program Established:
2002
Purpose of Program
The Lift Up Carolinas Scholarship Program supports graduating high school seniors and previous scholarship recipients as they pursue higher education. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, financial need, and a demonstrated commitment to community service. Recipients must attend a public university within the University of North Carolina system or Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC).
Scholarships for Graduating Seniors
Each year, graduating high school seniors from Mecklenburg County are selected to receive scholarships of up to $16,000 to help cover tuition, books, fees, room, and board for their freshman year.
Scholarships for Previous Recipients
Students who previously received a Lift Up Carolinas scholarship can apply for continued support as they progress through college. Awards are based on continued academic achievement and service to the community.
CPCC Scholarships
Lift Up Carolinas also offers scholarships of up to $2,500 for students attending Central Piedmont Community College, helping cover costs such as tuition, books, and fees.
Application Process
An online application system allows for easy access, review, and processing. Students can apply through the Lift Up Carolinas website or via scholarship platforms like Naviance and the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC).
🎓 Scholarship Applications Are Closed
Application Period: November 30, 2025 – March 22, 2026
Lift Up Carolinas awards college scholarships to high school seniors attending a school located in Mecklenburg County, as well as previous Lift Up Carolinas Scholarship recipients continuing their education. Scholarships are awarded based on community service, academic performance, and financial need.
📌 Eligibility Criteria
✅ Lift Up Carolinas Scholarship
To be eligible, applicants must:
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Not be a relative of a Lift Up Carolinas member
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Be a graduating senior attending a high school in Mecklenburg County
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Be a U.S. citizen
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Have a minimum weighted GPA of 3.0
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Score a minimum 1100 (SAT Math + Reading/Writing) or 21 on the ACT
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Enroll as a full-time student for the fall and following spring semesters at one of the 17 campuses of the University of North Carolina System
✅ Lift Up Carolinas CPCC Scholarship
To be eligible, applicants must:
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Not be a relative of a Lift Up Carolinas member
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Be a graduating senior attending a high school in Mecklenburg County
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Be a U.S. citizen
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Have a minimum weighted GPA of 2.5
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Enroll as a full-time student for the fall and following spring semesters at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC)
✅ Lift Up Carolinas Previous Recipient Scholarship
To be eligible, applicants must:
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Not be a relative of a Lift Up Carolinas member
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Attend one of the 17 universities in the UNC System or CPCC as a full-time student
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Demonstrate continued community service involvement
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Hold a minimum GPA of 2.5 at the time of application
Program Impacts 2023-2024
2025-2026 Scholarship Recipients
Quinn Skovira
Quinn Skovira is a 2025 graduate of Hough High School and will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall to study Business. A four-year varsity lacrosse player and team captain, Quinn has earned All-State honors and is recognized as an Academic All-American. At Hough, Quinn serves as the Business Manager of the yearbook, Secretary of the National Honor Society, and is a member of both the Math and Science National Honor Societies. He is also involved in Best Buddies and tutors elementary school students through the Husky Hawks program. Demonstrating leadership and a commitment to mentorship, Quinn founded Bro Code, a club that supports middle school boys in navigating topics like bullying and self-care. Outside of school, Quinn has worked as an assistant at local youth sports camps since sixth grade, creating positive experiences for young athletes. He also works with Sports Biz Careers, an organization that introduces underprivileged teens to opportunities in sports business. In his free time, Quinn enjoys playing drums and guitar and is an avid vinyl record collector.
Caitlyn Smith
Caitlyn Smith is a 2025 graduate of Harper Middle College High School and will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall. She plans to major in Japanese and Global Studies. Passionate about language, leadership, and service, Caitlyn has been actively involved in Student Council, the National Honor Society, the Young Black Leadership Alliance, and the Cross Country team. She also serves on several youth leadership boards, including the Ronald McDonald House Teen Volunteer Board and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council. Caitlyn’s dedication to service has earned her numerous honors, including the Presidential Volunteer Service Award – Gold, College Board National Recognition, and membership in the Society of Torch & Laurel Honor Society. In her free time, she enjoys writing poetry, creating charcoal portraits, reading, and playing video games. While still exploring her future path, Caitlyn is considering a career in diplomacy—an avenue that would blend her passion for languages and cross-cultural engagement.
Jewel Lewis
Jewel Lewis is a 2025 graduate of Charlotte Christian School and will attend North Carolina State University this fall as a Business Administration major. She is actively involved in TRI-M Music Honor Society, serves as Co-President of the Letters of Light Club, and holds the position of Head Prefect at her school. Jewel is graduating summa cum laude with the Seal of Biliteracy in Latin and academic distinctions in English, Latin, and Philosophy. In her free time, she leads a Bible study for middle school girls, runs her own home organization business, and interns with the Center for Family Transformation in Davidson.
Ashlyn Tighe
Ashlyn Tighe is a 2025 graduate of Lake Norman Charter High School and will attend the Honors College at East Carolina University this fall. She plans to major in Biology and Public Health on a pre-dental track, with the goal of becoming a dentist. Ashlyn is deeply involved in her school community, participating in the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Key Club, Pre-Med Club, Mental Health Awareness Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Senior Class Council, Spanish Club, Knight's Navigator Club, and the Exceptional Knights Service Club. Outside of school, Ashlyn balances a part-time job with volunteer work for various nonprofit organizations in the Lake Norman area. She also tutors younger students to help build their academic skills and confidence. In recognition of her dedication to service, she recently received the Presidential Service Award. Ashlyn’s personal experiences have shaped her passion for dentistry and her commitment to making others feel supported and cared for.
Ava Clayton
Ava Clayton is a 2025 graduate of William A. Hough High School and will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall, where she plans to study Media and Journalism as well as Business. At Hough, Ava served as President of HALO (Hough Athletic Leadership Organization), a student-athlete club that promotes community involvement and contributes over 400 hours of service annually. She was also Senior Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook and an active member of the National Honor Society, Hispanic Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and the Hough Headliner newspaper. Ava is an AP Scholar and a candidate for the AP Capstone Diploma. A two-year varsity volleyball player at Hough, Ava also played for Precision Athletics Volleyball Club (PAVC), where she served as team captain. For the past two years, she has volunteered with the Amigos de Buddy program at her former elementary school, tutoring Spanish-speaking students and helping to strengthen their literacy and social skills. Ava is excited to continue her passion for service at Chapel Hill and looks forward to exploring new ways to give back to her community.
Jonah Bright
Jonah Bright is a 2025 graduate of David W. Butler High School and will attend North Carolina State University in the fall to study engineering with an interest in aerospace. He was an active member of the football team, National Honor Society, and the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. Jonah also co-founded Butler’s Model United Nations club. Ranked in the top 10% of his class, Jonah has completed more than 70 hours of volunteer service. In his free time, he enjoys playing and watching football, exploring all things related to space, cooking, and listening to music.
Madison Francis
Madison Francis is a 2025 graduate of JT Williams Secondary Montessori and will attend UNC Chapel Hill in the fall to study Business Administration. Ranked in the top 5% of her class, Madison is actively involved in several service clubs at her school. She serves as Fundraising Chair for the Beta Club and Secretary of Catch the Act, a student organization dedicated to combating human trafficking. Madison is a committed volunteer with Mecklenburg County Teen Court and Crisis Assistance Ministry. A lifelong soccer player, she is a member of her school’s soccer team. In her free time, she enjoys creating pottery, reading, spending time with friends, and watching movies with her family. Madison looks forward to continuing her community service efforts in Chapel Hill and is excited for all that lies ahead!
Endurance Sawie
Endurance Sawie is a 2025 graduate of Queens Grant High School and will attend Appalachian State University this fall to pursue a degree in Nursing. Ranked in the top 11% of her class, she is graduating with high honors and was named a Chief Junior Marshal in her junior year. Endurance is actively involved in several school organizations, including Student Council, Medical Careers, National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Best Buddies. She holds officer positions as Secretary in both Student Council and Medical Careers. A dedicated athlete, she runs track and is a two-time regional qualifier as well as a member of the top 4x100 relay team in the region. Outside of school, Endurance volunteers at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center and teaches recreational gymnastics to children in her free time.
Kendall Hokes
Kendall Hokes is a 2025 graduate of Merancas Middle College High School, where she was dual-enrolled and earned both her high school diploma and an Associate’s degree. She will attend North Carolina Central University in the fall, pursuing a double major in Political Science and Criminal Justice. Kendall serves as President of both the National Student Council and the SAVE Promise Club. She will graduate with honors from both Central Piedmont Community College and Merancas Middle College High School.
Thomas Mesfen
Thomas Mesfen is a 2025 graduate of Butler High School, where he ranked in the top 5% of his class. This fall, he will attend North Carolina State University, majoring in Biology on the pre-physical therapy track. Passionate about service and leadership, Thomas has been an active member of the National Honor Society, Flame Men’s Club, and the Carolina Youth Coalition. Outside the classroom, he volunteers at the Eritrean Community Center, babysits on weekends, and enjoys hiking and watching NCAA basketball, especially March Madness.
Kyler May
Kyler May, a 2025 graduate of East Mecklenburg High School, will begin studying Music Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte this fall. An accomplished cellist, Kyler has performed with the East Mecklenburg Orchestra, the Charlotte Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the CMS Honors Orchestra. He is also the recipient of the National School Orchestra Award. Kyler plans to continue his musical studies at the collegiate level. In addition to his orchestral achievements, he is a dedicated member of the East Mecklenburg Marching Eagles Color Guard. Outside of music, Kyler enjoys baking, thrifting, and spending time with friends.
Ricardo Zacarias
Ricardo Zacarias is a 2025 graduate of South Mecklenburg High School. This fall, he will begin his studies at Central Piedmont Community College and plans to transfer to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill through the UNC C-STEP program. A dedicated and hardworking student, Ricardo is involved in several school organizations, including the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and DECA. As a school ambassador, he represented South Mecklenburg with pride and leadership. He has also balanced academics with part-time jobs at Target and Burlington Coat Factory, saving for college and supporting his mother financially. In his free time, Ricardo enjoys running, exercising, volunteering at community races in Charlotte, and spending time with family and friends. Committed to service, he looks forward to continuing to help others throughout college and beyond.
Genesis Salazar
Genesis Salazar is a 2025 graduate of Hickory Grove Christian School. She plans to attend Central Piedmont Community College to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Genesis is actively involved in HOSA–Future Health Professionals and Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society. A dedicated athlete, she played on the varsity soccer team. Outside of school, she has gained valuable experience working at Chopt and in an after-school program, demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to helping others.
2025-2026 Previous Recipients
Sasha Bernard, Rising Junior, UNC Chapel Hill
Addison Carnow, Rising Sophomore, UNC Chapel Hill
Elijah Montgomery, Rising Junior, NC State
Lily Brechlin, Rising Sophomore, NC State
Savannah Bachmann, Rising Sophomore, UNC Chapel Hill
Jack Thompson, Rising Sophomore, UNC Chapel Hill
Emilie Freeman, Rising Sophomore, UNC Greensboro
Logan Sterling, Rising Senior, UNC Chapel Hill
Natalie James, Rising Junior, UNC Chapel Hill
Rachel Kershner, Rising Senior, NC State
Quincy McKay, Rising Junior, East Carolina
Andrew Keziah, Rising Junior, NC State
Justin Pinzari, Rising Sophomore, UNC Chapel Hill
Funding
Scholarships are made possible through through grants, corporate and private donations, fundraising events, and proceeds from the Lift Up Carolinas Thrift Store.
Why It Matters
Education changes lives. The Scholarship Program removes financial barriers and opens the door to college for hardworking students who want to make a difference in their communities.
