$24.9 million new gift from Leon and Sandra Levine family to scholars’ program raises their donations to school to $53 million
UNC Charlotte has received a landmark $24.9 million gift from The Leon Levine Foundation, securing the future and expansion of the university’s prestigious Levine Scholars Program through the 2032-33 academic year.
The transformative donation reinforces the program’s mission to attract and support exceptional student leaders committed to academic excellence and civic engagement.
“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 new funding guarantees the continuation of UNC Charlotte’s signature merit-based scholarship for at least another decade.
The Levine Scholars Program will continue to offer comprehensive four-year scholarships valued at approximately $124,000 for in-state students and $187,000 for out-of-state students. Scholars receive full tuition, housing, meals, fees, and a stipend for books and summer enrichment experiences.
Beyond financial support, the program provides:
- Personalized mentorship
- International experiences
- Professional development and leadership opportunities
- An $8,000 grant for each scholar to design and implement a community service project
Civic engagement remains central, with scholars participating in projects ranging from disaster recovery in Puerto Rico to educational initiatives in Charlotte. Each year, the program selects about 20 new scholars through a rigorous nomination and interview process, emphasizing academic achievement, ethical leadership, and a demonstrated record of service.
With this latest gift, The Leon Levine Foundation has contributed nearly $53 million to UNC Charlotte, making it the university’s largest cumulative donor. Since its inception in 2009, the Levine Scholars Program has graduated nearly 200 alumni, many of whom have gone on to advanced degrees at institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, Oxford, and Johns Hopkins, as well as impactful careers across various sectors.
Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber remarked, “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. 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”.
Founded in 1980 by Family Dollar Stores founder Leon Levine and his wife Sandra, The Leon Levine Foundation is one of the Carolinas’ leading philanthropic organizations, supporting education, healthcare, human services, and Jewish values.
The foundation’s assets exceed $700 million, and its giving has had a transformative impact across the region.
The $24.9 million gift not only secures the future of the Levine Scholars Program but also cements The Leon Levine Foundation’s enduring commitment to educational excellence and community leadership in the Carolinas.