Graduate as a NC Scholar of Global Distinction

Expand your intercultural awareness and understanding of the global relevance of your college studies. With a NC Scholar of Global Distinction, you earn a unique résumé-building credential and leadership skills that will set you apart in today’s competitive job market.

The Charlotte region is home to more than 950 foreign-owned firms that provide local jobs to more than 65,000 workers. The NC Scholars of Global Distinction, a partnership between UNC Chapel Hill and North Carolina community colleges, is designed to equip you with the global competencies and skills you need for the 21st century workforce.

For more information, email Lauren Jackson or the Center for Global Engagement.

Benefits

  • special recognition as a “Scholar of Global Distinction” at graduation
  • notation as “graduated with global distinction” on your official transcript
  • wear a special cord at graduation
  • a greater understanding of the global relevance of your education

Eligibility

  • current Central Piedmont student taking courses for college credit

You do not have to be in a certain major or program to participate. Students from a variety of areas, including Nursing, Business, Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Fine Arts, and applied sciences have applied.

Requirements To Complete the Program

To successfully graduate as an NC Scholar of Global distinction, you must:

  • complete at least 15 credit hours of eligible courses with a grade of A or B and a minimum 2.5 GPA
  • participate in eight international activities/events (speakers, films, performances, etc.)
    • You must get prior approval from the Global Scholars Coordinator to get credit for an off-campus international event.
    • You will be provided with materials and instructions for tracking the international events you attend for program credit once you are accepted into the program.
  • complete 30 hours of a global immersion experience (study abroad or domestic intercultural experience)
  • complete an e-portfolio of your program learning experiences
  • give a capstone presentation related to your participation in the NC Scholars of Global Distinction to a committee of Central Piedmont faculty, staff, and administrators

Graduating as a NC Scholar of Global Distinction will depend on the rate at which you complete the requirements. Other variables include class selection and availability. Courses may fill up or not be offered in certain semesters. This program does transfer to some NC community colleges; the Global Scholars Coordinator can provide information about which community colleges apply.

Application Deadlines

  • May 16, 2025
  • July 3, 2025
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Apply

Watch this video to hear from past scholars. Use the following link to get started today.

Submit Your Application

Application Instructions

  1. Apply for the program through the Campus Community link.
  2. Create an account or log in to Campus Community with your Central Piedmont email.
  3. Complete the application thoughtfully and in its entirety.

Eligible Courses for the NC Scholars of Global Distinction Program

Eligible courses that count toward program requirements are offered at all Central Piedmont campuses, including online classes. Courses that list only the course name mean the course is inherently global — you can take any section/instructor of that class. Courses that list an instructor name means that the course has been globalized — you may only take the sections taught by the instructors listed.

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