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Blue Sky Scholars Program

In October 2018, Carolina launched the Blue Sky Scholars Program, a bold new initiative to address the financial challenges facing middle-income students, who make up the majority of North Carolinians receiving need-based aid at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Carolina Blue Skies Ahead

The Blue Sky Scholars Program was established with a gift from former UNC System President Erskine Bowles ’67, who recalled meeting with middle-income parents who felt that the cost of college was out of reach for their children. Moreover, Carolina was losing admitted students from these families to schools offering more generous financial support.

In addition to an annual scholarship, the Blue Sky Scholars Program offers recipients mentoring, access to work-study employment and financial support to pursue enrichment opportunities to ensure they can thrive at Carolina – and graduate with little or no educational debt.

Blue Sky Scholars receive a total of $42,500 over four years, including: 

  • an annual award of $7,500 
  • $2,500 per year in work-study employment 
  • a one-time award of $2,500 to support internships, study abroad or other opportunities 

The results are clear: More than half of Blue Sky Scholars graduate debt free. Those who do borrow have approximately one-third of the debt of students from similar income ranges who don’t receive this scholarship.

Blue Sky Scholars Quick Facts*

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48 Blue Sky Scholars

have received aid

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289 total donors

to the Blue Sky Scholars fund

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$24.9 million 

raised for Blue Sky Scholars

*Numbers accurate as of June 30, 2024

Thank You

The Blue Sky Scholars Program is a success story because of the support of the many donors whose gifts are turning the dream of a Carolina degree into a reality for talented students throughout North Carolina. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to bringing access and excellence together at Carolina.