Wood Family Scholarships Programs

In 2004 the Wood Family Scholars Program was founded by Leonard and Carla Wood. Mr. Wood, a founder of Wood Partners LLC in Atlanta, wanted to make it financially possible for outstanding students to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, from which he earned his Master of Business Administration degree. He also wanted to help his students develop as leaders and discover their path and their purpose so that they could make the most of their talents and their lives.

In 2015, Chris Cole, founder of Cole Real Estate Investments and a longtime associate of Mr. Wood’s, began collaborating with Mr. Wood to support and encourage their Scholars.

Currently ten new first-year students each year receive the scholarship. These new students join other Wood Scholars in a close-knit community — one marked by excellence, exploration, and a spirit of mutual camaraderie and support.

Eligibility Criteria/ Scholarship Guidelines

Complete assigned readings;

Attend annual banquets;

Attend scheduled meetings;

Perform at least ten hours of community service or leadership activities each semester;

Scholars have founded, and currently, manage and engage in, UNC Special Olympics and Raising Awareness for Children’s Existence (R.A.C.E.);

Mentor underclass students during their junior and senior years;

Maintain a full course load and achieve a 3.0 GPA;

Write the end-of-year reflection paper;

Continue to demonstrate financial need through their enrollment at Carolina; and

Live on campus during their first year and remain in good standing with the University.