The Morehead-Cain

We provide a four-year, fully funded educational experience for students of the highest caliber at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

We provide a four-year, fully funded educational experience for exceptional student leaders at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The Morehead-Cain is so much more than tuition and room and board. It sets your potential free. It offers (and funds) life-changing summer enrichment and extracurricular learning experiences. It provides immersion in a dynamic student body at a world-class university. And, it promises a lifetime connection to an extraordinary community of Morehead-Cains scattered throughout the world.

Our Stories

Morehead-Cains tackle emerging challenges and issues. They pursue their passions with excellence. They innovate and transform. These are their stories.

Explore the 2021–2022 Year in Review
The Catalyze podcast
December 13, 2022
The Travel Episode: Stories from the Morehead-Cain International Gap Year, with Aayas Joshi ’26, Olu Kopano ’26, and scholar host Elias Guedira ’26
Read More
@moreheadcain
Building wealth for youth of color, one club at a time, with Bob Wynn ’76 of CLIMB
View All Stories

Our Criteria

Morehead-Cain is brought to life by a global community of scholars—which calls for some key selection criteria.

Leadership

You initiate. You get things done.

You influence, energize, and inspire others to work together to make an impact. It’s more than titles held or roles played. For you, leadership is about courage and action.

We believe leadership is about more than titles and awards. It’s about searching for ways to positively impact the world around you. Our community seeks to embody the qualities and values we admire in great leaders. We believe the best leaders open doors for others. We honor humility, champion integrity, and celebrate teamwork.

Character

Courage, humility, and integrity.

Courage, humility, integrity, maturity, perseverance, self‑awareness, generosity, and empathy—these are the core values of the Morehead‑Cain community. You embrace the fact that you are growing and learning.

We embrace stretch experiences as a way of life. We strive for a deeper understanding of ourselves, and have the courage to stand up for what we believe in. We encourage others through persistent joy, humor, and positivity. We champion integrity and celebrate teamwork, giving more than we expect to get. We believe the experience is as important as the outcome.

Scholarship

You live for opportunities to learn.

You thrive in an academically rigorous environment, yet are able to contribute to your community in other ways. You’re ready to take full advantage of UNC’s academic excellence.

We’re steadfastly curious, pursuing solutions to the most puzzling issues of our time. We ask bold, smart questions; we seek multiple and creative answers. We share knowledge and inspiration with others. We thrive on connecting with others to support, inspire, and inform each other.

Physical Vigor

You have demonstrated a sustained commitment to fitness and wellness.

You value what is gained—collaboration, sportsmanship, discipline, stamina, and persistence—by preparing for and engaging in competitions and performances.*

*Due consideration is given to nominees with physical limitations.
We’re explorers and adventurers who are intentional about taking care of our health and well-being. We believe the discipline required for regular physical activity translates well to the stamina required for strong leadership. We know that the teamwork facilitated through sports provides a foundation for lifelong spirit of collaboration.

 

Research the Selections Process

Morehead-Cain is an equal opportunity organization. We do not discriminate against any nominee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law.

“The Morehead-Cain is a call to live your journey, the best and most authentically that you can—your journey, and no one else’s.”
  • Tony Liu
  • Class of 2017