Introduction

The Morehead-Cain Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships available for North Carolina students, offering full tuition, room and board, and a study abroad stipend at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Background and History

The Morehead-Cain Scholarship was established in 1951 through a gift from John Motley Morehead III to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Morehead wanted to create a scholarship program that would attract exceptionally able students from North Carolina and help them realise their full potential through a UNC education.

The original gift established a $2 million endowment to support up to 20 new scholars each year. In 2001, this endowment totalled over $75 million through investment growth and additional contributions. In 2011, the endowment reached $200 million thanks to a gift from the Fred G. Clinton Jr. Foundation. Today the endowment provides funding for around 80 active Morehead-Cain Scholars each year.

Selection Process

The highly selective Morehead-Cain selection process considers academic excellence, character, leadership potential, and community engagement. Each year, over 1,000 students apply for approximately 20 new slots. Here are the main steps:

• Online Application: Students complete a comprehensive application including essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts and test scores. The deadline is in early October of senior year.
• Regional Interviews: Approximately 150 semifinalists are invited to multi-hour interviews which include intellectual assessments and impromptu essay writing. Interviews are held from October to November in Asheville, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, and Raleigh.
• Campus Visit: 50 finalists are selected to visit UNC-Chapel Hill for a two-day immersive experience, including academic conferences, entertainment, and meals with current scholars, alumni, and selection committee members. This occurs in mid-December.
• Final Selection: In late February, 20-24 new scholars are announced from the pool of finalists. Scholars receive an estimated $180,000 in funding over four years.

Benefits and Requirements

Morehead-Cain Scholars receive exceptional benefits but also have high expectations for their UNC experience:

• Full tuition, room, and board for four years
• $3,000 annual study abroad stipend
• Intellectual engagement through monthly scholar dinners and annual conferences
• Opportunity for research assistant positions and faculty mentorships

However, scholars must maintain a 3.2 GPA, participate fully in scholar events, study abroad junior year, and complete a senior thesis. After graduating, they are expected to give back through volunteer involvement with the program.

Academic Excellence

One of the most attractive aspects of the Morehead-Cain Scholarship is the opportunity it provides for academic excellence at UNC-Chapel Hill, one of the top public universities in the nation. Some key aspects:

World-Class Faculty

UNC has over 1,000 full-time faculty members conducting innovative research and teaching some of the nation’s brightest students. Notable faculty include 27 members of the National Academy, 6 Nobel laureates, 3 Pulitzer Prize winners and 2 Poets Laureate.

Flexible Curriculum

The College of Arts and Sciences allows scholars to design a unique course of study across over 40 majors. Popular choices include Business, Biology, Economics, Public Policy, and Computer Science, thanks to the wide variety of experiential opportunities available on campus.

Research and Internship Options

The campus has over 30 research centers offering funding for undergraduates to collaborate with faculty. Popular fields include Medicine, Entrepreneurship, Education, Sustainability and Journalism. Scholars also gain internships in fields like Law, Consulting and Non-Profits through the StrongBonds career program.

Study Abroad

The Junior Abroad program provides $3,000 annually for scholars to study overseas. Popular destinations include the U.K., Italy, Spain, France, China, Australia and South Africa. Dual-degree programs also allow spending a semester at universities like Oxford or Sciences Po.

Leadership and Character Development

In addition to outstanding academics, the Morehead-Cain Scholarship emphasizes developing scholars into leaders with strong character through unique experiential opportunities:

Scholar Events

Monthly dinners and annual conferences allow scholars to network, attend talks from accomplished alumni, engage in thoughtful discussion, and build lifelong friendships. Prominent guest speakers have included Bill Gates Sr. and James Wolfensohn.

Community Service

Many scholars volunteer regularly with groups like More at Four tutoring, UNC Hussman School Mentoring, or the Inter-Faith Council. The program sponsors an alternative spring break trip, and many scholars found non-profits after graduation.

StrongBonds Program

This focuses on career preparation through internships, mentorships, executive speaker events, and professional development workshops. It helps scholars identify purpose and gain skills for competitive post-graduate paths.

Thesis in Senior Year

The optional thesis provides an intensive capstone research experience advised by a faculty member in the scholar’s field. Past topics include studies of ancient archeological artifacts, analysis of political campaigns and science experiments.

Culture and Alumni Network

The tight-knit Morehead-Cain community extends beyond the four undergraduate years through ongoing regional and national alumni events and programming:

Supportive Peer Group

Forming close bonds, scholars support each other academically and personally throughout college. Many remain friends after graduation and frequently socialize or start businesses together.

Mentorship from Alumni

The 6,000+ alumni provide career advice and internship/job references and remain engaged with current scholars. Notable alumni work at organizations like Teach For America, NASA, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Regional Chapters

Over 20 alumni chapters in major cities like NYC, DC, SF, and LA stay connected through social and service activities. They offer networking, housing referrals, and job/internship opportunities for scholars.

Strong Family Resemblance

At alumni weekends and other events, scholars and alumni appreciate the strong family resemblance – a pride in achievement, service, fellowship, and loyalty to UNC that continues beyond graduation.