Twelve students from across Eastern North Carolina have been selected to join the third cohort of the NC State College of Education’s Transformational Scholarships Program.
This program—made possible due to a generous charitable grant from the Anonymous Trust— provides scholarships of a minimum of $40,000 over four years to promising high school students from Eastern North Carolina who will return to the region to teach after graduating from NC State’s College of Education.
The third cohort of Transformational Scholars represents seven counties from Eastern North Carolina and comprise eight elementary education majors, two mathematics education majors, one middle grades English language arts and social studies education major and one technology, engineering, and design education major. During their time in high school, these students demonstrated their excellence as teacher cadets and Future Teachers of America club presidents, as well as through their participation in the NC State College of Education’s Leadership Institute for Future Teachers and the North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network Pre-College Program.
“This cohort represents the dedication and resiliency present in Eastern North Carolina,” said Trisha Mackey, the director of the Transformational Scholarships Program. “They are passionate about becoming transformational teacher leaders and returning to the region to be change agents through education.”
Among the new Transformation Scholars is Lyla Sherwood, whose sister, Rylee, is part of the first cohort. “I have seen firsthand her professional and personal growth through the program. I look forward to the direct mentorship, the participation in field experiences and educational conferences, and, of course, the study abroad opportunities that are available.”
Transformational Scholars receive a minimum of $10,000 per year in scholarship support for up to four years, with additional financial support available to those with greater need to make sure that all their financial need, as determined by the FAFSA, is met. In addition, scholars have access to funds that support professional development, such as study abroad and conference participation.
During their time in the College of Education, they engage in field experiences, summer work, student teaching and other activities that equip them to return to Eastern North Carolina to work as teachers after completing their undergraduate degree. They also receive direct mentoring from College of Education faculty and education leaders living and working in Eastern North Carolina, including graduates of NC State’s Educational Leadership Academies (NELA), and develop lifelong relationships within the other members in their cohort.
Transformational Scholars Cohort 3
- Malaya Beasley, Onslow County
- Braxton Cumbo, Craven County
- Katie Dodson, Sampson County
- Jazmin Garcia, Johnston County
- Eve Jones, Dare County
- Brooklynn Koonce, Onslow County
- Andrea Loera Valdez, Edgecombe County
- Haleigh Meliti, Onslow County
- Nyla Polk, Sampson County
- Lyla Sherwood, New Hanover County
- Phoebe Spradley, Nash County
- Ka’Viya White, Edgecombe County
Click here to view the Transformational Scholars’ full bios.