Opportunity Scholarships

The Challenge

At Henderson Collegiate, 86% of our students come from low-income families, qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Additionally, 96% of our Pride identify as students of color, residing in a rural community where resources and support are limited. Our Hispanic student population, now at 30%, continues to grow. Many of these students, including undocumented students and other underserved alumni, encounter profound systemic barriers that hinder their ability to access and complete higher education:

• No Federal Aid: Undocumented students are excluded from federal financial aid programs, such as Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study.
• State Restrictions in North Carolina: These students are also ineligible for in-state tuition rates or state-funded financial aid, leaving them to pay out-of-state tuition—often three to four times higher.
• Institutional Gaps: While some colleges offer limited private scholarships, support for undocumented students and first-generation college students remains inconsistent.
• Additional Challenges: Alumni often face hidden costs associated with college, from housing to textbooks, as well as the emotional strain of navigating college life without adequate financial support.

Why HC Alumni?

Our alumni embody the spirit of grit, determination, and resilience that defines Henderson Collegiate. They are future leaders, innovators, and change makers. Most are the first in their families to attend college. Yet, for many, the financial burden of college threatens to derail their hard-earned progress.

Henderson Collegiate has always been committed to supporting our students, not only as they prepare for college but as they navigate and complete it. We understand that the climb to and through college requires sustained support, particularly for alumni from marginalized communities.