Carolina Covenant to Expand
by Lauren Cox

Carolina Covenant is expanding to offer a new level of support for some UNC-Chapel Hill students. The program that covers tuition for low income students will now offer a mentoring program.

The original purpose of Carolina Covenant, now in its second year, was to help low-income students graduate debt-free. More than half of these students are first-generation college students. Organizers are now matching students in the program with faculty and staff members to help them in their daily lives.

Shirley Ort, director of Scholarship and Student Aid, said the mentoring program is great for students looking to connect, but it's not necessary to get financial help.

“The program isn't required,” Ort said. “We don't want to impose ourselves or this program on students, but we want to make sure that we as a University have put every opportunity for success in front of a student.”

Officials say Carolina Covenant is just one way the University shows its commitment to student success.