Marian Drane Graham Scholars Program

The Marian Drane Graham Scholars Program is an sixteen-week immersive and experiential semester program designed to provide students the opportunity to develop leadership skills and gain a better understanding of key issues facing public higher education. The program is open to rising juniors and seniors attending one of the sixteen constituent institutions of higher education in the University of North Carolina. Scholars are mentored by UNC leadership, spend time in the UNC System offices in Chapel Hill, NC, travel to UNC campuses, visit with key NC policy leaders and elected officials in Washington, DC.

Scholars have the opportunity to work in a state government agency approximately thirty-two hours per week to further their knowledge of how higher education impacts the state of North Carolina. Finally, the Scholars will work on and present a capstone project on a topic of their choosing. Through these experiences, it is anticipated that each scholar will develop a deep appreciation for the complexities of higher education and state government.

The position carries a stipend of $1,500 paid in three installments and runs from January 15, 2025 through April 30, 2025.

Students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply, but applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:

Be a junior or senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree from a University of North Carolina System school with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
Have the ability and discipline to follow through with virtual projects and/or research
Have a passion for how higher education in North Carolina relates to our future, to local and federal government policy, the military, financial aid, and/or economic development
Be willing and able to meet during regular work hours Monday-Friday. Total of 4-5 hours per week

Apply through Smartsheet by December 2, 2024 and include your cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts, and reference letter. Any questions can be sent to Kimberly Mitchell, Director of Student Development and Association of Student Government Advisor at klmitchell@northcarolina.edu.