More Than a Scholarship: Golden LEAF Scholarship Pathway From Classroom to Career

The Future of Farmland in North Carolina

The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations with President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton explores one of the most significant challenges facing North Carolina agriculture: the loss of farmland and what it means for the state's economy, food systems, and future growth. The conversation highlights Ground Truth NC, a new farmland research initiative launched by Golden LEAF and NC Ag Leads to better understand where farmland is being lost, what is driving those changes, and how those shifts impact agricultural production and economic opportunity across the state. In this episode: * Ray Starling, General Counsel of the North Carolina Chamber and President of the North Carolina Chamber Legal Institute, discusses the origins of NC Ag Leads, the growing pressures facing agriculture, and why better data is needed to inform farmland preservation strategies and public policy decisions. * Vicky Porter, owner of Porter Farms Inc. in Cabarrus County, shares firsthand perspectives on development pressures, the challenges of preserving working farmland, and the importance of educating communities about agriculture's role in food security, economic vitality, and quality of life. * Dr. Raymond Thomas, Assistant Professor and Extension Agricultural Market Specialist at N.C. A&T State University and member of Ground Truth NC's advisory council, explains how research can help quantify the economic value of farmland, connect agricultural production to broader economic outcomes, and support informed decision-making for the future of North Carolina agriculture. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why farmland preservation is more than an agricultural issue; it is a critical economic development issue that affects food production, business growth, community sustainability, and the long-term prosperity of North Carolina. Listen now to this episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Reimagining rural education through Golden LEAF Schools

The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations with President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton explores how North Carolina rural middle schools participating in the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative are rethinking education to better prepare students for high school, careers, and the workforce of the future. In this episode: * Rachel Wright-Junio, Director of the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, explains how the initiative is helping schools implement innovative teaching models, strengthen leadership, and create career-connected learning environments that support long-term student success. * Dusty Martin, Principal of Northern Middle School in Person County, shares how the Transformative Schools cohort is reshaping school culture, improving instructional practices, and helping educators build stronger systems that support both students and the broader community. * Heather Herron, Instructional Technology Facilitator at Swain Middle School in Swain County, offers insight into how proficiency scales and competency-based learning are helping students better understand their progress, build confidence, and take ownership of their education. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative is supporting teachers, engaging students, and working to strengthen North Carolina's future workforce by investing in innovation and continuous improvement in rural schools.

How ready sites give economic developers a strategic edge

The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton, the Foundation's President and CEO, brings together three leaders driving economic development across North Carolina to answer a critical question: What does it really take to attract new industry to a community? Kenny Flowers, Chief Deputy Secretary with the N.C. Department of Commerce, shares how statewide coordination and strategic site readiness are essential to winning competitive projects and keeping North Carolina at the top for business. Brittany Brady, President of the North Carolina Economic Development Association and CEO of the Henderson County Economic Development Partnership, offers insight into what site selectors and companies are actually looking for—and why speed, infrastructure, and preparation can make or break a deal. McKinley Perkinson, Community and Economic Development Director for Warren County, provides a real-world perspective on how rural communities can leverage programs like the Golden LEAF SITE Program to transform raw land into market-ready opportunities. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of why industrial site readiness is a team effort—and how preparation today can lead to economic opportunity tomorrow.

Plant Sciences Initiative Growing the Future of North Carolina Agriculture

The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations with Scott Hamilton features three voices shaping the future of North Carolina agriculture. They answer the question: What happens when scientists, extension specialists, and farmers tackle agriculture's toughest challenges together? Adrian Percy, Director of the NC State Plant Sciences Initiative (PSI), shares the bold vision behind bringing researchers, engineers, industry partners, and growers together to solve real problems on the farm. David Suchoff, Extension, Outreach and Engagement Platform Director for PSI and NC State Crop and Soil Science faculty member, explains how research moves from the lab to the field and how extension helps farmers turn innovation into practical results. Bo Stone, Robeson County farmer and PSI Farmer Advisory Council member, brings the grower's perspective on emerging tools like AI decision systems, soil diagnostics, and sensor technologies that are changing how farmers manage crops and protect the land. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of how cutting-edge science, collaboration, and farmer feedback are helping North Carolina agriculture stay productive, profitable, and sustainable for generations to come.

More Than a Scholarship: Golden LEAF Scholarship Pathway From Classroom to Career

What happens when opportunity meets rural community pride? In this episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations, host Scott T. Hamilton talks with a current Golden LEAF Scholar, a Scholar Alumna, and an internship site host to show exactly how the Golden LEAF Scholarship [https://scholars.goldenleaf.org/applicants/colleges-universities/] and Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative [https://scholars.goldenleaf.org/rii/] change lives and shapes communities across North Carolina. You will hear from three inspirational guests: * Current Golden LEAF Scholar Joe Bolick, a future educator, who discovered that the scholarship did more than ease college costs; it opened doors to real relationships with school leaders back home. * Golden LEAF Alumna Lyric Locklear reflects on how internships turned into employment, affirmed her sense of purpose, and helped her build a meaningful career serving rural mental health needs. * Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative site host Prince Dugba of Monarch Bioenergy offers a behind-the-scenes look at why hosting Golden LEAF interns isn't just good for students, it's smart for rural businesses preparing the workforce of the future. Together, their stories paint a powerful picture. This scholarship program isn't just about paying for college. It's about building confidence, creating career pathways, and proving that impactful, innovative work can and does happen in rural North Carolina. If you are interested in how scholarship funding, education, and internships come together to strengthen rural North Carolina communities, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and a case study on how this model works.