COLLEGE READINESS
SEO Scholars NC
shift_ed’s SEO Scholars NC program is a free, eight-year academic journey that supports public high school students from 9th grade through college graduation with proven results and life-changing opportunities.
COLLEGE READINESS
SEO Scholars NC
shift_ed’s SEO Scholars NC program is a free, eight-year academic journey that supports public high school students from 9th grade through college graduation with proven results and life-changing opportunities.
College Readiness Initiatives equip students with the knowledge, tools, and experiences to succeed in higher education.
Our Programs > SEO Scholars
An Eight-Year Journey to College Success
shift_ed’s SEO Scholars NC program is a free, nationally recognized academic and college success initiative designed to support public high school students all the way to and through college. Beginning in 9th grade, Scholars participate in rigorous academic enrichment, personalized advising, and mentorship that prepare them for admission to competitive colleges and the challenges of higher education.
The national SEO Scholars program was founded in 1963 in New York. Since then, it has spread to San Francisco, North Carolina, and Miami. The SEO program has been an innovator in education, mentorship, and peer-to-peer support to close opportunity gaps for talented, ambitious young people who are often underserved.
With a 100% college acceptance rate and an 85% college graduation rate, SEO Scholars equips young people in our community with the knowledge, confidence, and long-term support to achieve their goals and build brighter futures. The SEO Scholars program has been recognized by The New York Times, PBS American Graduate Day, USA Today, NBC Latino, and others.
Learn More About SEO Scholars NC
Not sure if the program is right for you? Complete an interest form and a shift_ed advisor will reach out to answer your questions and share details about upcoming info sessions and scholar panels. Information sessions hosted in the Fall of 2025 are open to all 9th grade students.
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College Acceptance Rate for SEO NC Scholars
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College Graduation Rate for SEO NC Scholars
How to Apply?
The SEO Scholars NC selection process has two stages: the application and an interview.
Applications for the Class of 2029 are now open. Start your application here.
After applications close, top candidates will be invited to a virtual interview with the SEO Scholars NC team and will complete a diagnostic test. Final decisions will be shared by email and mail.
Important Dates
September 1
Applications Open
November 17
Priority Deadline (apply by this date for a chance to win a $100 prize)
December 8
Final Application Deadline
What You’ll Need to Apply
Parent/family information
Three short written responses
Most recent 9th-grade report card or 8th-grade transcript
Family income information
SEO Scholars NC Events
See the calendar below for upcoming application workshops and interview prep sessions. The SEO Scholars NC team will also be visiting all Guilford County high schools in fall 2025—keep an eye out for a representative at your school to learn more.
Click to View Upcoming SEO Scholars NC Events
From 9th grade through college graduation, SEO Scholars receive rigorous academics, mentorship, and personalized advising to gain admission to top colleges and thrive throughout their education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I have to pay to become a SEO Scholar?
Nothing! Our program is free of charge. We provide our scholars with a Chromebook, hotspot if needed, and all the necessary tools to become a successful scholar. To become an SEO Scholar you must complete an application and follow the steps listed in the How to Apply section above.
What grade do I have to be in to become a SEO Scholar?
There is only one entry point into our program – ninth (9th) grade. This is an 8-year commitment so your first semester of SEO Scholars will begin the spring semester of 9th grade year.
Can SEO do a presentation at my school or community organization?
We’d love to connect with your school or community organization! To have SEO do an information presentation, have a staff member from your school or community organization please email Rafael at rafael@shift-ed.org or call us at (336) 814-2233.
How do I learn more about your program?
To learn more about our program, you can complete our Interest Form, email us at seoscholars@shift-ed.org or contact Rafael directly at rafael@shift-ed.org, or call us at (336) 814-2233. You can also visit our events calendar to learn more about our upcoming information sessions and events.
What does bichronous, asynchronous, and synchronous mean?
Bichronous– A fully online academic learning program that contains asynchronous and synchronous components.
Asynchronous– Learning that allows students to view instructional materials each week at any time they choose and does not include a live video lecture component.
Synchronous– Learning where students are required to log in and participate in an online class at a specific time each week with SEO instructors.
How many hours will SEO Scholars be expected to be online a week during high school?
Students can expect to complete an average of 10 hours of online supplemental learning per week.
Can I participate in team sports, clubs, or any other extracurricular activities while being a part of the SEO program?
The SEO Scholars Guilford County hybrid program is a major time commitment and an eight-year investment for our students. We recommend potential SEO Scholars consult with their families, high school staff and the SEO Scholars team to see how they might be able to balance being a full-time high school student, an SEO Scholar and joining extracurricular activities throughout the high school career.
The application will ask students to list out expected time commitments for at least the ninth grade and our SEO Scholars Advisors work with Scholars throughout each year in high school to assist with time management.
SEO Scholars have the opportunity to participate in Summer Enrichment Programs during the summer after 11th grade and before senior year of high school begins. Click here to review the High School Program Overview.
Where can I learn more about the SEO program?
You can learn all about SEO by visiting the national site at www.seo-usa.org/scholars/
How many SEO Scholars get accepted into college?
100% of SEO Scholars are accepted into four-year colleges.
What does a Saturday community in-person day look like?
SEO Scholars come together throughout the year for Community Days hosted at local colleges such as High Point University, Guilford College, Greensboro College, UNC-Greensboro, and North Carolina A&T. These gatherings build community and leadership through a wide range of activities, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds who share common goals and interests.
What if I need help with my application?
We offer free support for students who are interested in completing their SEO Scholars application. Please reach out to Rafael at Rafael@shift-ed.org if you need help.
Rafael Ibarra-Orozco & Carrington LeGrande
Carrington and Rafael are here to connect with students and families, answer questions, and share more about how the program works. Reach out to them if you’d like to learn more about becoming an SEO Scholar.
Program Focus
Elementary School
Middle School
High School
