EC Scholars program welcomes Class of 2026 finalists

Current EC Scholars take a group photo together in front of the ECU letters outside of the Main Campus Student Center in the fall 2021.

This year, the EC Scholars program will welcome the Class of 2026 finalists to Selection Sunday on Sunday, Feb. 20.

This year’s finalists represent four states and 24 North Carolina counties. There are 20 majors across 7 colleges, as well as several first-generation students. Finalists have proven themselves academically throughout their high school experience by becoming student government presidents, researchers, and AP Scholars.

Beyond academics, this year’s class are athletes, artists, coders, musicians, dancers, and actors. Some are beekeepers, world robotics competitors, master scuba divers, and first-degree black belts. Some are winners of the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement within Girl Scouts of the USA. We also have four sets of twins among our finalists today.

The EC Scholars selection process involved around 100 ECU faculty and multiple rounds of review. Finalists were selected from approximately 900 applications. Just over 100 semi-finalists moved on to the second review committee and of these, 50 candidates were selected as finalists for the next class of EC Scholars.

Finalists were invited to visit ECU’s campus on February 20 for Selection Sunday. During the day, they will take part in various activities such as finalist interviews, a student showcase, and panel discussion. They will also learn more about the EC Scholars program from current students as well as alumni.

The EC Scholars Program is the most prestigious award program offered at East Carolina University. It offers a scholarship valued at nearly $64,000 and challenging learning experiences. This scholarship includes the Honors College scholarship equal to the value of in-state tuition. It provides students with rigorous coursework, research opportunities with faculty members across campus and a study abroad experience.

EC Scholars have studied abroad in more than 35 countries and donated almost 600 service hours from EC Scholar events. There are currently 27 majors represented across the program and more than 500 EC Scholar alumni live and work across the country.

EC Scholars pursue excellence in every endeavor and collaborate to cultivate an inclusive and inspiring community. They also serve the public and seek to grow as engaged and purposeful citizens.

For more information about the EC Scholars program, visit the EC Scholars website.