Opening Doors for Carolina Covenant Scholars to Participate in Honors Global Programs
Honors Carolina and the Carolina Covenant are delighted to announce the new Point to the Passer Awards, which provide funding for Covenant Scholars to study abroad or complete an internship in one of Honors Carolina’s global programs.
The Point to the Passer Awards were established with a gift from Carolina alumnus Ricky May, who worked as a sales and marketing executive in the sports industry for 25 years. May shared, “Helping create the Point to the Passer awards is the culmination of time spent looking for ways to give back to current Carolina students who need a little financial help to have study abroad become their reality. When Coach Dean Smith started the now ubiquitous tradition, he believed that pointing to the passer showed appreciation for the unselfish act of passing the ball instead of shooting. I hope future Covenant Scholars who receive Point to the Passer monies will understand that helping others is a Carolina tradition that goes back at least as far as Coach Smith.”
This initiative marks the 20th anniversary of the Carolina Covenant, which provides debt-free financial aid and a system of support to admitted students from low-income families. The Point to the Passer Awards extend access to high-impact global experiences for Covenant Scholars that may otherwise be beyond students’ reach. “The Point to the Passer Awards significantly advance our strategic vision to extend global learning opportunities for Covenant Scholars. Ricky’s timely and generous gift underscores the vital role our alumni play in closing opportunity gaps and empowering future leaders,” said Candice Powell, Director of the Carolina Covenant.
“Honors Carolina has the largest global footprint of any honors college or program in the country,” said Jim Leloudis, Peter T. Grauer Associate Dean for Honors Carolina. “I am delighted to partner with the Covenant and Ricky to lower the financial barriers to participation. In the 21st century, engagement with the people and cultures of the world is essential to a Carolina education.”
Designed for ambitious Covenant Scholars who possess a desire to fully immerse themselves in an academic program abroad, the Point to the Passer Awards will provide up to $5,000 to offset the cost of travel and tuition. A full list of global opportunities is available online at https://honorscarolina.unc.edu/global-honors/.
Powell and Leloudis shared, “We hope others will join Ricky in providing financial support for Point to the Passer Awards. This is meant to be something that all Tar Heels can get behind—opening doors for Covenant Scholars to have Global Honors experiences.”
Eligibility
Open to all Carolina Covenant Scholars with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preference will be given to students who have never traveled internationally.
2025-26 Dates and Deadlines
- Summer 2025 Application Deadline: January 31*
- Fall 2025 Application Deadline: March 1
- Spring 2026 Application Deadline: September 10
* Covenant Scholars who have already applied for Summer 2025 Honors Global Programs will automatically be considered for the Point to the Passer Award. No additional application is required.
Questions?
Contact Gina Difino, Director of Global Education and Fellowships at Honors Carolina.
Gina_Difino@unc.edu or 919-962-9680.
Donate
To donate online, click here.
Checks can be made out to the Arts and Sciences Foundation and mailed to Buchan House, 523 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.
Learn more about the Carolina Covenant here and Honors Carolina here.
