Opportunity Scholars Program

The Opportunity Scholars Program is a two-year, cohort experience that will support students in obtaining the education and skills needed to earn a career-focused, technical degree, and embark on a pathway to a successful career.

The Opportunity Scholarship is available to students that have attended high schools in Mecklenburg County.

Program details include:

  • Scholarships will assist with the cost of attendance—tuition, books, and fees—for the two years required to earn a technical, career-focused degree.
  • Students will receive assistance selecting a Chromebook or laptop to help meet their digital needs.
  • Students will participate in Central Piedmont’s Summer Bridge academic enrichment program prior to their first fall semester to help prepare them for college-level work.
  • Students will receive the support of an academic coach to help with academic support, course and career path selection, professional development, assistance with career development opportunities, and to identify internships and other workplace learning opportunities

Student selection for the Opportunity Scholars Program will be based upon a student’s demonstrated potential for success, including:

  • A minimum high school GPA of 2.0
  • A letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor that describes the academic performance of the applicant as a student
  • Attendance in a CMS high school (or Sugar Creek Charter School)
  • Quality of essay responses on the general scholarship application

Potential Opportunity Scholarship recipients must be committed to completing a two-year Associate degree program at Central Piedmont as a full-time student. Once accepted as an Opportunity Scholar, students must maintain a 2.5 college GPA in order to renew their scholarship in the second year of the program.

Award
Up to $10,000 over 2 years
Deadline
02/14/2027
Supplemental Questions
  1. What is your high school GPA?
  2. Are you the first in your family to attend college?
  3. If you are not a first-generation college student, please select the family members who have graduated from college?
  4. Summer Bridge is a required part of the Opportunity Scholarship program. All Opportunity Scholar students must enroll in summer classes at Central Piedmont and participate in the six‑week Summer Bridge experience, which helps support a smooth transition from high school to college. Are you willing and able to participate in Summer Bridge from July 15, 2026, through July 23, 2026?
  5. You will need to submit a recommendation to apply for the Opportunity Scholarship. Please list the name and email of your recommender (a teacher or counselor).
  6. Please upload your letter of recommendation with an official letterhead (from Central Piedmont or your high school).
  7. Have you applied or plan to apply to any of these cohorts? Check all that apply.
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