Navigating Scholarship Opportunities: A Guide to Next Step Programs

Pursuing higher education is a significant investment, and scholarships play a vital role in making it accessible and affordable. Several "Next Step" scholarship programs are designed to support students in various stages of their academic journeys. This article explores the requirements and opportunities associated with these scholarships, providing a comprehensive guide for prospective applicants.

CR Legal Team Scholarships

CR Legal Team offers scholarships each year to students of all ages who are residents of North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia. These scholarships are offered through The Roberts Center for Leadership, Education, Advancement, and Development. The Center is home to two Foundations, the CR Family Foundation and The Little Red Jumpsuit Foundation for Women. Online scholarship applications are available beginning December 1, 2025, and will close March 1, 2026.

The Next NC Scholarship

The Next NC Scholarship is a financial aid program designed to make higher education more accessible for North Carolinians. It primarily targets households making $80,000 or less and aims to fully cover tuition and fees at any community college or more than half, if not all, of tuition and fees to attend any public university in the state.

Key Features

Financial Support: Students attending a community college will receive at least $3,000 per year. Those attending a public university in North Carolina will get a minimum of $5,000 per year.
Comprehensive Coverage: The scholarship can be applied toward books, food, housing, and other educational expenses.
Simplified Application: Applying is simple. Just complete the FAFSA form.
Combined Funding: The Next NC Scholarship combines the federal Pell Grant with North Carolina’s state-funded financial aid for public colleges and universities. Pell grant is not a separate award.

Eligibility and Application

Residency: Applicants must be residents of North Carolina.
Income Threshold: The program primarily targets households making $80,000 or less.
FAFSA Submission: Complete the FAFSA form to determine eligibility.
Priority Dates: Submit the FAFSA form by the priority dates to ensure you qualify for your maximum award - that’s June 1 for UNC System universities and August 15 for NC community colleges. After those dates, FAFSA forms are reviewed in the order received and funding will be awarded as available.

Southeastern Community College (SCC)

At Southeastern Community College (SCC), they’re committed to making education accessible and affordable. Their financial aid team is ready to help with the FAFSA and inform you about other available financial aid options.

The PepsiCo Foundation NextStep Scholarship

The PepsiCo Foundation NextStep Scholarship seeks to break down barriers for students lacking access to financial support and professional development opportunities. The program is administered by Scholarship America, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals.

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Eligibility Guidelines

All Eligibility Guidelines MUST Be Met, or the Applicant is NOT eligible to apply. Ineligible applications will not be processed.
Recipients MUST be enrolled in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited four (4) year college or university for the entire 2026-2027 academic year (fall and spring terms.)
Financial need will be considered.
Selection of recipients is made by Scholarship America. In no instance does any officer or employee of PepsiCo Foundation play a part in the selection.
Not all applicants to the program will be selected as recipients.
Students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements.
Awards are approved and renewed once in the Spring of 2027 after the Spring 2027 term has completed and students have their final transcripts for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Renewal Requirements

Awards are renewable for one year, provided the recipient meets the renewal requirements of satisfactory academic performance (at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale), continued full-time undergraduate enrollment at a 4-year college or university in an eligible major.

Application Requirements

Essay: How could receiving this scholarship help you overcome obstacles, including financial challenges, and ultimately reach your educational and career goals?
A current, complete set of transcripts starting with your freshman year in college. Grade reports are not accepted. Transcripts must display: student name, school name, (this can be in a URL), grades, credit hours for each course and term in which each course was taken.
Please provide proof of enrollment at one of the eligible colleges for the 2026 spring term.
Scholarship funding will be applied for the entire 2026-2027 academic year.

North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program

The Opportunity Scholarship is available for students entering traditional Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Key Dates and Application Process

MyPortal is the platform families use to apply for the Opportunity Scholarship.
The application opens February 2 and closes on March 2.
The priority application period for 2026-2027 Opportunity Scholarships for new students closes at 5 pm on March 2, 2026.

Eligibility and Awarding

Scholarships are not awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
A new student application submitted February 2 through March 2 will be entered into a random lottery. Renewal students are awarded first. New students are then awarded the Opportunity Scholarship in order of their assigned Award Tier until funding is exhausted.
Opportunity Scholarships must attend a Direct Payment School.
Applying for the Opportunity Scholarship does not enroll your student in a school.

MyPortal Account

MyPortal allows only one parent to be listed on the account, known as the parent of record. We will add a task to your record. The current and prospective parent of record must complete certain steps before these changes can be made.
Scholarship awards are subject to cancellation if tasks are not completed.

Education Student Accounts (ESA+)

The Education Student Accounts (ESA+) is North Carolina’s scholarship program for K12 students with disabilities who require special education services.

General Advice for Scholarship Applicants

Carefully Review Eligibility: Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
Meet Deadlines: Pay close attention to application deadlines and submit all materials on time.
Craft a Compelling Essay: The essay is your opportunity to showcase your potential and explain how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
Provide Accurate Transcripts: Ensure your transcripts are complete and accurate.
Seek Assistance: Don't hesitate to seek help from financial aid offices or scholarship organizations if you have questions.

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