Elaine T. Brown “Advancing the Dream” Adult Non-Traditional College Students

   The Elaine T. Brown “Advancing the Dream” Adult Non-Traditional College Scholarship is designed for undergraduate adult students, ages 24 or older, residing in Mecklenburg County, who are pursuing or continuing a degree program at a public, private or not-for-profit accredited four-year college/university.

The scholarship is awarded to adults who desire to enhance their opportunities for career advancement and success. Adult classes may be taken on a part-time basis with a combination of online and in-class instruction.  This Scholarship is a minimum of $2,500.

The Scholarship Committee will select applicants to participate in the interview process. Due to the anticipated high number of applicants, all applicants will not be selected for an interview. Only the top applicants will be selected for interviews. The applicant interviews will be conducted in April 2026.

Elaine T. Brown “Advancing the Dream” Adult Non-Traditional College Scholarship criteria is listed below:

  • Must be an African American Adult Student (age 24 or older)
  • Must be a resident of Mecklenburg County
  • Must be currently enrolled in a public, private or not-for-profit four-year accredited institution of higher education in (A combination of online and in-class instructions will be considered.)
  • Must have a career/cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher
  • Must submit two online letters of recommendations – one from a faculty/staff at the institution currently attending and one from the community, church or employment
  • Must verify your GPA by uploading your most recent transcript which reflects your career/cumulative GPA.  If we do not receive this information, your application will be disqualified.
  • Must write an essay as indicated in the application


In addition to the above, all applicants:

  • Must submit two letters of recommendation
  • Must write an essay (300 min. – 500 max. words)
  • Must scan a certified copy of your transcript and be prepared to upload the transcript to the scholarship application website.  The certified transcript must reflect your career/cumulative GPA

 

EXTENDED APPLICATION DEADLINE IS NOW 11:59 p.m. ON MARCH 23, 2026 

Click here to apply: Adult Non-Traditional Student Awards Application 

Click here to complete the Adult Non-Traditional Student Recommendation Letter

 

If there are any questions regarding the above information or the scholarship application process, please contact the Scholarship Committee at scholarship@charlottedst.org