Spring 2026 Marian Drane Graham Scholars Program – Apps due Dec 1

The Marian Drane Graham Scholars Program is a primarily virtual sixteen-week 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 juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a career in higher education and attending one of the sixteen constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina. Scholars will be mentored by UNC leadership and visit the UNC System offices in Raleigh, NC.

Scholars will have the opportunity to work virtually with a UNC System mentor on research and System wide projects approximately 4 hours per week. In addition, Scholars will meet as a cohort 1-2 hours per week. 16 hours will be a visit to the UNC System. The 16-week experience will be 100 hours in total. Scholars will further their knowledge of how higher education impacts the state of North Carolina. 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.

Knowledge, skills & abilities for internship placement

Strong project management or organizational skills
Research, editing and proofreading skills
Ability to work as a team where ongoing collaboration is a must
Ability to handle multiple projects and deal with uncertainty
Ability to contribute individually and participate in cross-functional teams

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

Be a junior or senior pursuing their bachelor’s degree from a constituent institution within the University of North Carolina 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 4-6 hours per week

Please apply through the Smartsheet link and provide a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts, and reference letter to Kimberly Mitchell, Director of Student Development and Association of Student Government Advisor, at klmitchell@northcarolina.edu no later than December 1, 2025.

Candidates chosen for an interview will be notified by December 15, 2025. Interviews will take place during December and scholars will be selected and notified by the end of December 2025.

The anticipated program dates are January 12, 2026 through April 24, 2026.

Application