About the Award

The North Carolina Community Action Association is proud to award this annual scholarship in honor of the late Dr. Andrea Harris. Dr. Andrea Harris was a trailblazer who never stopped fighting for equity. As the executive director of the Franklin Vance Warren Opportunity Inc., she made history as the first Black woman to lead a community action agency in North Carolina. A leader and advocate for the marginalized and disenfranchised, Andrea dedicated her life to overcoming barriers to economic growth and opportunity. Dr. Harris’ legacy of community service and leadership exemplify the heart of community action and we are proud to continue her legacy by supporting the next generation of community leaders.

 

Award Eligibility

The Dr. Andrea Harris Community Action and Leadership Scholarship recipient will have demonstrated interest in a career serving underserved and disenfranchised people and communities.

 

Basis of Scholarship Application Process

Applicants meeting the following criteria and completing the online application will be considered for The Dr. Andrea Harris Community Action and Leadership Scholarship in the amount of $2,500.

 

• Student must be a North Carolina native

• All majors are invited to apply

• Minimum GPA requirement of 2.5

• Consideration may be given to demonstrated financial need, economic circumstances, community service, leadership, academic achievement, and documented barriers to educational or professional opportunity

• This is a one-time, non-recurring scholarship

 

Deadline: March 6, 2026, 11:59 PM EST.

 

Basis of Scholarship Application Process
Applicants are required to submit a 1-page narrative on how they plan to address societal ills and other barriers to economic growth and opportunity for low-income communities. Please refer to Dr. Andrea Harris’ legacy here.