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Your future starts before application day

Get ready Pryor 2 College.

A clear, encouraging roadmap to help students and families prepare for college, scholarships, financial aid, and the decisions ahead.

Explore NC College ConnectThis Week's Scholarships
4grade specific roadmaps
20practical next steps
1confident direction
Featured this week · Class of 2027

You may already have college admission offers.

NC College Connect gives North Carolina public high school seniors a personalized list of participating colleges where they already meet admission requirements.

What seniors need to know

  • Students with at least a 2.8 weighted GPA, a fourth-level math course, and other program requirements may receive direct admission offers from participating four year colleges.
  • Every public high school senior who is on track to graduate can receive direct admission to a local North Carolina community college, regardless of GPA.
  • Check your letter or sign in to the NC College Connect portal with your CFNC account to see your personalized list. A short form lets you claim each offer you want.
  • No essays, recommendation letters, test scores, or traditional application are needed to claim the offers shown in the portal.
  • Students may claim spots at more than one college. Claiming a spot is not a commitment to enroll.
Check My College Offers This is a college admission program, not a scholarship. Students should still complete the FAFSA and watch college deadlines for scholarships, financial aid, housing, honors programs, and specific academic programs. If a college you want is not on your list, you may still apply through its regular process.
Week of October 11, 2026

This Week on Pryor 2 College

Explore two national scholarships for seniors who pair strong academics with leadership, service, and financial need.

Scholarship Spotlight

Two opportunities for the Class of 2027

  • Ron Brown Signature Scholarship: $40,000 over four yearsTwenty scholarships are awarded to Black or African American high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and show academic excellence, leadership, community service, and financial need. Application deadline: December 1, 2026.Review eligibility and apply →
  • Hagan Scholarship: up to $60,000 over eight semestersOpen to Class of 2027 students at U.S. high schools who have at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA, meet the program's financial criteria, and plan to attend an eligible four-year college. Application deadline: December 1, 2026.Review every eligibility requirement →
Deadlines verified October 11, 2026 on the official program pages
College Prep Tip

Give recommenders something useful to work with

When you request a recommendation, share the scholarship deadline, your activity list, two or three accomplishments you value, and a short note about your goals. This helps your recommender write a specific letter instead of a general one.

Pryor 2 Tip of the Week
Action Step

Prepare your recommendation packet

Choose one trusted teacher, counselor, coach, or mentor. Ask for a recommendation, then send a one-page activity list, your goals, the scholarship link, and the exact deadline.

Complete this before October 18
See Past Weekly Highlights →
2026–2027 School Year

Past Weekly Highlights

Previous scholarships, College Prep Tips, and Action Steps stay here through June. Always check the official scholarship page for current details before applying.

Week of October 4, 2026Scholarships, tip, and action step
Scholarship SpotlightOriginally verified October 4, 2026. Both opportunities were still open when archived on October 11, 2026. Confirm current status on each official program website.
College Prep Tip

Some scholarships require a nomination, college admission application, or planning activity before the final application. Read the full process early so you do not miss the first deadline.

Action Step

If Levine is a good fit, speak with your counselor or complete the self-nomination form. If you use BigFuture, build a balanced list with three reach, two match, and one safety college.

Original completion date: October 11, 2026
Week of September 27, 2026Scholarships, tip, and action step
Scholarship SpotlightOriginally verified September 28, 2026. Both application deadlines have passed.
College Prep Tip

Work backward from each deadline, list every required piece, and plan to submit at least one day early.

Action Step

Check NC College Connect offers, then choose one urgent scholarship and begin the official application.

Original completion deadline: October 1, 2026
Week of September 20, 2026Scholarships, tip, and action step
Scholarship SpotlightOriginally verified September 20, 2026. Both opportunities were still open when archived on September 27, 2026. Confirm current status on each official program website.
College Prep Tip

Compare each college's estimated net price after grants and scholarships, not only its published tuition.

Action Step

Compare three possible colleges by program options, estimated net price, graduation rate, and application deadline.

Original completion date: September 27, 2026
Week of September 7, 2026Scholarships, tip, and action step
Scholarship SpotlightOriginally verified September 7, 2026. The Coca-Cola Scholars deadline has passed. Confirm current status on each official program website.
College Prep Tip

Create a professional email address just for college planning, and check it several times each week.

Action Step

Choose one trusted adult who can encourage you, review your work, or help you track deadlines.

Original completion date: September 13, 2026
Your personalized roadmap

What should I do now?

9

Build your foundation

Start strong, explore your interests, and learn how every year contributes to your college story.

Before this school year endsCreate your portfolio, know your graduation plan, and identify interests you want to explore.
My progress
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Alternative Pathways & Resources

More Ways Forward.

College is still possible. Your path may look different, begin at a different place, or start later.

Start locally and transfer

Begin at a community college, earn credits close to home, and explore transferring to a college with four year programs when you are ready.

Explore colleges and programs →

Build skills for a career

Explore certificates, technical programs, apprenticeships, and shorter training options that can lead to work or future education.

Find career training →

Finish school or return later

If you need a high school equivalency credential, adult education, or time before college, your opportunity is not over.

Find adult education support →
For parents, caregivers, and trusted adults: You do not need to have every answer. Help the student identify one next step, connect with a counselor or program, and keep moving forward.
Scholarship readiness

Prepare once. Apply often.

Strong scholarship applications begin before the deadline. Create one organized digital folder for materials you can use again in different applications. Start with the five items listed here.

View My Roadmap
1
Activity and leadership listRoles, service, awards, work, and dates
2
Personal story draftYour goals, values, growth, and impact
3
Recommendation teamAsk early and share your accomplishments
4
Financial aid documentsKeep required family information organized
5
Deadline trackerRecord requirements and submit dates
Start where you are

Small steps now create more choices later.

Your path does not have to look like anyone else’s. Choose your grade, complete one task, and keep building from there.

View My Roadmap