ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — College of The Albemarle (COA) has earned first place in the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority’s (NCSEAA) statewide Social Media Competition, designed to increase awareness of the Next NC Scholarship, a financial aid opportunity for eligible North Carolina students. COA finished the competition with more than 600 points, leading all participating institutions across the state.

The campaign encouraged colleges to engage students and families with information about the scholarship, which provides financial assistance for eligible North Carolina residents attending community colleges or public universities.

As part of COA’s first-place recognition, Alex Granados, associate director of communications for NCSEAA, visited COA on Wednesday, Nov. 12, and presented a variety of Next NC Scholarship swag items to the college in celebration of the achievement.

COA receives Next NC promotional items for placing first in the NCSEAA statewide social media campaign, which shines a spotlight on this scholarship opportunity for students. Pictured (l-r): Brittany Forbes, COA graphic designer/webmaster; Kristen Childers, COA creative assistant; Tammy W. Sawyer, COA director of communications and marketing; Tyler Drew, NCSEAA manager for college access and FAFSA outreach; Alex Granados, NCSEAA associate director of communications; Lisa Pipkin and Crystal Woodley, COA financial advisors.

Granados also commended COA’s leadership throughout the competition. “College of The Albemarle stepped up early in the Social Media Competition and displayed their commitment to making sure students know about the Next NC Scholarship. Their first-place win isn’t just a victory for them, but a victory for all the students who will be able to go to college because they now know there is state aid available to help them,” Granados said.

Dr. Jack Bagwell, COA President, said, “This recognition speaks directly to COA’s mission of expanding access and transforming tomorrows for the communities we serve. The Next NC Scholarship has the power to open doors for so many students, and we are proud to help ensure that families across our region understand the opportunities available to them.”

COA will continue promoting the Next NC Scholarship through its year-round communications and enrollment outreach. Students and families are encouraged to complete the 2025–2026 FAFSA to determine eligibility.

For more information about COA, visit www.albemarle.edu. To learn more about the Next NC Scholarship, visit www.NextNCScholarship.org.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Tammy W. Sawyer, COA director of communications and marketing, at 252-335-0821, ext. 2420, or [email protected].