Fall 2026-Spring 2027 Marian Drane Graham Scholars Program
The Marian Drane Graham Scholars Program is a primarily virtual sixteen-week experiential semester program designed to provide students with 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 in North Carolina public higher education with a 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 and 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 during the semester of the program, pursuing their bachelor’s degree from a constituent institution within the University of North Carolina System 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.
Apply at the link below and provide a 500 word statement of interest in the program, 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 May 11, 2026.
Candidates may select interest in consideration for the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 or both. Interviews will take place May 18-29, 2026. Scholars will be selected and notified by early June for both semesters.
The anticipated program dates are: Fall 2026 (September-December) and Spring 2027 (January-April).