More than two decades after its launch, the Carolina Covenant continues to transform lives at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—and the individuals who were there from the beginning are taking time to reflect on how far the program has come.
Launched in 2004, the Carolina Covenant was designed to provide low-income students the opportunity to graduate debt-free through a combination of grants, scholarships, and work-study. It was among the first initiatives of its kind in the nation and has since become a model for universities seeking to expand access to higher education.
Those who helped build the program—including early administrators, faculty advocates, and alumni—recall the passion and purpose that drove its creation. “It wasn’t just about financial aid,” said one founding supporter. “It was about removing invisible barriers and making sure talented students from all backgrounds felt like they truly belonged here.”
Since its inception, the Covenant has supported thousands of Tar Heels, opening doors to academic success and post-graduate opportunities that may have otherwise been out of reach. Many graduates now serve as mentors, donors, and champions of the program, paying it forward for the next generation.
For Covenant alumni, the impact goes beyond dollars. The program provided a support system—a community of advisors, counselors, and peers who believed in their potential. “It was more than financial help; it was hope,” one graduate shared.
As UNC celebrates the continued legacy of the Carolina Covenant, those who helped bring it to life remain proud of the difference it has made. Their reflections serve as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when higher education commits to equity, inclusion, and the belief that every student deserves the chance to thrive—regardless of their financial circu
mstances.