NextNC Scholarship gives RCC students hope in achieving dreams

Students attending Robeson Community College this fall are celebrating the good news of receiving financial assistance through the NextNC Scholarship. Two students, Juss McLaurin and Brittany Hunt, are busy making plans for the future and looking forward to the start of the semester on August 15. 

“It makes me feel like I’ve done something well,” stated Juss McLaurin, a second-year student enrolled in the air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration program at RCC. “I have not had a lot of scholastic achievements… but I am thankful that I have received this scholarship, it will help out.”

McLaurin is a 28-year-old US Navy Veteran who served on one tour in Dubai, Italy, France, Canada, and Bahrain. 

“I was a maintenance repairman in the Navy,” McLaurin says. “I like to work with my hands, that’s why I wanted to go into HVAC…. A couple of summers ago, I saw how many people needed A/C and it caught my interest because I knew those technicians were in high demand.”

Coming to RCC, McLaurin says, was the right place because “it felt like home.”

“I was looking for a fresh start out of the Navy,” McLaurin stated. “I felt like this was a place where I could succeed and excel.”

Also using the GI Bill to help fund his education, McLaurin encourages other veterans to come to RCC and learn a trade.

“Veterans should take advantage of the GI Bill, it’s something you’ve earned, don’t let it go to waste,” McLaurin said. “The GI Bill is one of the best things they ever created… I want everyone to be aware of all the stuff that is available, it helps with the transition of getting out of the military, and getting your education is a good stepping stone.”

McLaurin will graduate in May 2025 and says once he gets his degree, “This is something I can take and show other people you can do this if you have the right mindset.”

Brittany Hunt will be pursuing an associate degree in nursing this fall, and after being awarded the $3000 NextNC Scholarship, she is more than grateful.

“It feels good because I just got through beating cancer,” Hunt said. “I was worried about pursuing a degree, and then I got approved for this, God made a way.”

Hunt says the cancer diagnosis delayed her, but says of God, “the moment was never denied.”

“I got diagnosed with a brain tumor on March 11, and I did not think I would be able to do this,” Hunt said. 

Now as she is healing from the cancer, she says she’s ready to hit the books come August 15. 

“I have always had a passion for taking care of people and helping to make a difference through someone’s sickness and struggles, to give them hope,” Hunt says. “I am a CNA, I’ve worked for 10 years in the hospital working in the Alzheimer’s unit and dental assisting working with kids who have dental anxiety.”

Although she did not attend the “I’m Next” Fest this past summer, she says that the NextNC Scholarship is giving her something that she can hold on to for her future. 

“I hope to get through Nursing school and become a registered nurse and give back to the community,” Hunt stated. “I want to be able to provide better financial support to my family.” 

Her son, Javon Hunt, who is just 12 years old, is excited for his mom, cheering her on every step of the way. 

“I’m happy to see her do this,” Javon said. 

“Like Juss McLaurin and Brittany Hunt, you too can achieve your dream, whatever it may be,” stated RCC President Melissa Singler. “Eligibility for the NextNC Scholarship starts with the FAFSA, and if you are an in-state resident with a combined income of less than $80,000 per year, you will most likely qualify.” 

Robeson Community College held 3 “I’m Next” Fests this summer to help raise awareness of the scholarship, which saw more than 108 individuals in attendance. 

“That’s 108 families that could potentially be impacted by the NextNC Scholarship,” stated Dr. Johnny Smith, the vice president of instruction and student services. “This scholarship is going to have a major impact upon the lives of so many in Robeson County.” 

The NextNC Scholarship is available for students enrolling this fall at Robeson Community College. Students who qualify will receive at least $3000 or more to attend RCC just by completing the FAFSA. 

Eligibility is determined mainly by four major factors – 

1) you must complete the FAFSA

2) you must be a North Carolina resident eligible for in-state tuition

3) be enrolled in a curriculum program seeking a degree, diploma, or certificate

4) your combined household income must be $80,000 or less. 

The funding is combined with other federal and state aid, making 2024 the best time to come back to school to get your degree, and do as McLaurin stated, “learn a trade.” 

If you haven’t registered, there’s still time, but you are urged to apply for financial aid as soon as possible as the priority deadline of August 15 is quickly approaching. Classes also begin August 15 with start dates throughout the semester including 14-week courses on August 29, 12-week classes on September 13, and 8-week classes which begin October 16. To learn more about the NextNC Scholarship, please visit https://www.robeson.edu/next-nc-scholarship-complete-fafsa-to-apply/