September 24, 2026

Andre Miller stays calm under pressure, a skill he believes will help him solve complex technology problems as an IT professional. For now, Andrew is majoring in cybersecurity, and as a recipient of the Next NC Scholarship, his tuition at Forsyth Tech is covered. As a result, he can focus on his studies without worrying about how to pay for school. Andre’s story is the third in our series spotlighting Next NC Scholarship recipients. The Next NC Scholarship helps cover college costs for thousands of students attending North Carolina community colleges and universities, opening the door to a degree without the weight of tuition debt. 

Andre’s path to Forsyth Tech began before he finished high school, where he signed up for dual enrollment with a simple goal: earn extra credits and get ahead. He did not know then how much it would shape his future. The dual enrollment classes he took at Forsyth Tech made the college feel familiar, and after graduating from high school, he enrolled. Now, Andre is preparing for a career focused on other people. He hopes to work in cybersecurity or another technology field where he can help people solve IT problems. Andre believes the opportunities that come as a result of the Next NC Scholarship will strengthen his communication and networking skills, helping him become successful professionally.

The Next NC Scholarship is available to most North Carolinians from households earning $80,000 or less, and it does not have to be repaid. The scholarship combines the federal Pell Grant with state financial aid into one simple, predictable award, making college more affordable for North Carolinians. The award covers tuition, fees, books, food and housing. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester.

To learn more about the scholarship, visit https://www.forsythtech.edu/understanding-the-next-nc-scholarship/. For more information about eligibility and to learn how to apply, visit https://www.forsythtech.edu/students/next/.