Give Apply Now
Give Apply Now
Six smiling Central Piedmont students wearing honors cords and displaying NC Scholars of Global Distinction awards.

NC Scholars of Global Distinction

Expand your intercultural awareness and deepen your understanding of how your studies connect to a globalized world.

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Stand out at graduation

With official recognition as a Scholar of Global Distinction.

Boost your résumé and transfer applications

With a credential that highlights global competence and initiative.

Gain a competitive edge in the job market

By developing in-demand intercultural and communication skills.

Build global perspective

By connecting your coursework to international issues and diverse cultures.

Discover what you can achieve.

Apply to this program
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Why this program?

With more than 1,000 foreign-owned companies employing over 80,000 workers in the Charlotte region, plus nearly one of five Charlotte residents foreign born, global competence is increasingly important. The NC Scholars of Global Distinction program— a partnership between UNC Chapel Hill and North Carolina community colleges—prepares students with the skills and global competencies needed for today’s workforce.

Upcoming application deadlines:

  • September 11, 2026
  • October 30, 2026
  • December 4, 2026
Current Central Piedmont Community College students enrolled in college credit courses are eligible to participate. Students from all programs and majors are encouraged to apply.
NC Scholars of Global Distinction
NC Scholars of Global Distinction 2025 ceremony

Program requirements

To graduate as an NC Scholar of Global Distinction, you must: 

  • complete at least 15 credit hours of eligible courses with grades of A or B and a minimum 2.5 GPA (log in to MyCollege to view eligible courses)
  • participate in eight approved international events (e.g., speakers, films, performances) 
    • off-campus events require prior approval from the Global Scholars Coordinator 
    • accepted students will receive instructions for tracking participation 
  • complete 30 hours of a global immersion experience (study abroad or domestic intercultural experience) 
  • develop an e-portfolio reflecting your learning 
  • deliver a capstone presentation to a panel of faculty, staff, and administrators

If you have questions about this program, contact the Global Learning Office. We are located in Overcash Room 303 on Central Campus. Or, call 704-330-6167 or send us an email.

Eligible courses

Eligible courses that count toward program requirements are offered at all Central Piedmont campuses, including online classes. Courses that list only the course name mean the course is inherently global — you can take any section/instructor of that class. Courses that list an instructor name means that the course has been globalized — you may only take the sections taught by the instructors listed.

ACA 122 - College Transfer Success (Donna Housman and Julia Payne: Honors course sections only)

CHM 151 General Chemistry I (Mary Shields only)

COM 140 – Introduction to Intercultural Communication

CUL 230 – Global Cuisine

DAN 110 – Dance Appreciation 

ENV 110 – Environmental Science 

GEL 111 – Geology

IPP 112 – Comparative Cultures

MUS 110 – Music Appreciation

SGD 111 - Introduction to Simulation and Game Development (with Farhad Javidi)

Center for Global Engagement

The Central Piedmont Center for Global Engagement serves as a resource to students, faculty, staff and members of the Charlotte community to explore customs, histories, arts, cuisines, religions and more from around the world. By facilitating globally inspired conferences, events, curricula and programs the Center for Global Engagement helps students and community members grow into global citizens who are prepared for employment in the global economy, as well as knowledgeable and appreciative of cultures.

Phone: 704-330-6167
Location: Central Campus, Overcash Center, Room 303
Send an email
Students gathering around a food table at a Center for Global Engagement study abroad fair.