Pathways to Carolina

Making a Difference Statewide

Through financial aid packages and support networks, the University is committed to creating pathways for students to pursue their goals.

Making a Difference Statewide

Through financial aid packages and support networks, the University is committed to creating pathways for students to pursue their goals.

of all N.C. students are from rural counties

of Carolina’s new students will be first in their families to graduate from college

UNC-Chapel Hill has supported graduates from all 100 North Carolina counties. These graduates are now set up to give back to their communities, the state and the world.

View the stories below to discover the pathways that led them to Carolina.

Brian Woodard

A former community college student, the double Tar Heel leads C-STEP students to Carolina and helps them excel.

N.C. Home: Snow Camp

“There's not one type of person who can get into Chapel Hill. We try to work with everyone.”

See Brian’s story

Charles W. Hands III

Once a first-generation college student from Wilmington, this Charlotte attorney makes the case for the financial and communal power of the Carolina Covenant.

N.C. Homes: Wilmington and Charlotte

"The Carolina Covenant program gave me a community."

See Charles’ story

Zoe Tang

Inspired by her mother's cancer diagnosis, this first-year Carolina Covenant scholar knows Chapel Hill is the right place to launch her medical research career.

N.C. Home: Forest City

"Carolina offers everything I need to thrive. A strong academic foundation, countless opportunities to grow and people I can count on."

See Zoe’s story

Gillian Kepley

This University tour guide was drawn to Carolina by its academic excellence and affordability, and her college education will soon be used to serve North Carolinians.

N.C. Homes: Apex and Kill Devil Hills

“I was thinking, ‘What is going to be the highest quality education for the price I’m paying?’ and without a doubt, it was Carolina.”

See Gillian's story