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 the following high schools in Mecklenburg County: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Virtual, East Mecklenburg, Garinger, Harding University HS, Hawthorne Academy of Health Sciences, Hopewell, Independence, Julius Chambers, Military and Global Leadership Academy at Hawthorne, North Mecklenburg, Olympic, Phillip O’Berry, Rocky River, Sugar Creek Charter, West Charlotte and West Mecklenburg.

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 participating CMS high school (or Sugar Creek Charter School)
• Quality of essay responses on the Opportunity 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.