$24.9 Million from The Leon Levine Foundation expands and sustains UNC Charlotte’s transformative Levine Scholars Program
With a new gift of $24.9 million, The Leon Levine Foundation is expanding its enduring support for the Levine Scholars Program, UNC Charlotte’s signature merit-based scholarship that attracts top-tier high school students from across the country.
“This program continues to reflect the very best of what higher education can offer — opportunity, leadership and the drive to serve others,” said Tom Lawrence, president and CEO of The Leon Levine Foundation. “The foundation is proud to invest in a scholarship that transforms the lives of students and empowers them to change the world.”
The transformative gift extends the Levine Scholars Program through the 2032-33 academic year and strengthens its ability to recruit and support a new generation of scholars with a passion for academic excellence and civic engagement. With this new investment, The Leon Levine Foundation maintains its distinction as UNC Charlotte’s largest cumulative donor, having contributed nearly $53 million to the University to date.
“This extraordinary gift is a testament to Leon and Sandra Levine’s deep belief in the power of education and the potential of our students,” said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. “It ensures UNC Charlotte remains a destination for the nation’s most promising young leaders, while amplifying the Levines’ legacy of generosity, impact and transformation across our campus and throughout the Charlotte region.”
Launched in 2009 with an initial gift from The Leon Levine Foundation, the Levine Scholars Program offers a four-year scholarship valued at approximately $124,000 for in-state students and $187,000 for out-of-state students. In addition to comprehensive financial support, scholars benefit from personalized mentorship, international experiences, professional development and leadership opportunities — all designed to foster meaningful contributions to society.
“This level of sustained support is truly remarkable,” said Heather Smith, faculty director of the Levine Scholars Program. “We are grateful for Leon and Sandra Levine’s visionary investment and for the foundation’s ongoing support. They are the cornerstones on which we’ve built a program where service-minded scholars not only thrive, but lead — both here in Charlotte and around the world.”
Civic engagement is a cornerstone of the program. Scholars receive an $8,000 grant to design and execute a community service project and participate in immersive summer experiences that expand their global awareness and professional growth. From post-disaster rebuilding in Puerto Rico to education initiatives in Charlotte, Levine Scholars apply what they learn far beyond the classroom.
Nearly 200 alumni have graduated from the program, many of whom have gone on to pursue advanced degrees and distinguished fellowships around the globe. Alumni have studied at Harvard, Princeton, Oxford and Johns Hopkins, and have launched careers across industries and sectors that prioritize impact and innovation.
The newest class of scholars will soon begin their studies at UNC Charlotte. The Class of 2029 was just announced, representing 10 counties in North Carolina and six different states.
To honor the Levines’ enduring commitment to the University and scholarship, UNC Charlotte named Levine Hall in 2016. The 425-bed residence hall houses the Honors College and the administrative offices of the Levine Scholars Program.