Selection Process

Pinpointing Impact Amid a Sea of Promise

Every year, we continue to test and improve our selection process to ensure we identify the most promising young leaders and engage them in the Morehead-Cain experience.

In 2021–2022, we modified Final Selection Weekend—an in-person event for finalists only—to include an event each for finalists and recipients.

The virtual Final Selection Experience was held in February for finalists. Students attended the week-long event, which included daily programs with Foundation staff and leadership, scholars and alumni, and Program partners to learn about life as a scholar and student at Carolina. Students also participated in panel and one-on-one interviews with members of the Central Selection Committee.

In the spring, recipients visited Chapel Hill for the first-ever Discovery Weekend. Students heard from Morehead-Cain Scholars and Alumni, participated in a class lecture with psychologist and UNC–Chapel Hill professor Dr. Mitch Prinstein, and attended campus tours with their scholar hosts. The cohort also watched the Tar Heels’ 94–81 win against Duke, which resulted in, of course, rushing Franklin Street.

In April, four out of five recipients accepted the scholarship, making a total of 75 scholars in the Class of 2026.

This remarkable success would not have been possible without our thousands of nominating partners who introduced us to extraordinary candidates and the hundreds of Morehead-Cain Alumni who served in our selection process.