Continuing Education

The Charlotte Post Foundation’s annual Top Senior Program honors high‑achieving African American high school seniors in Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Schools who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to community service. Eligible students must hold a minimum 3.25 GPA and demonstrate meaningful involvement in extracurricular activities.

Each participating CMS high school submits a list of qualified candidates. Students then complete an application, either online or via mail, that includes a personal essay reflecting their experiences, goals, and contributions to their school and community. To ensure fairness and thoughtful evaluation, every applicant is reviewed by a panel of three independent judges, who score each candidate using a point‑based system focused on three core criteria:

• Essay quality

• Grade point average

• Extracurricular involvement

Based on total scores, the Top Senior and Top Senior Runner‑Up are selected as the highest‑ranking students in Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Schools. Both honorees receive scholarships that are not tied to FAFSA or federal aid requirements, giving students the freedom to use their award in whatever way best supports their transition to college—whether that’s tuition, textbooks, technology, or other essentials that set them up for success.

In May, the Foundation hosts a recognition ceremony where all eligible Top Seniors applicants and their families are invited to celebrate their achievements. Every honoree receives a gift bag, and the top two students are awarded a trophy and scholarship check.

Additionally, the Top Senior and Top Senior Runner‑Up are invited, along with their families, to attend the Charlotte Post Foundation’s prestigious Post Best Banquet in October, where they are honored alongside the annual Luminary and Educator of the Year award recipients. This celebration highlights the excellence, leadership, and promise of Charlotte’s youth and reinforces the Foundation’s mission to uplift and empower the next generation.

The Top Senior Project is currently active exclusively within Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Schools. In accordance with CMS rules, the Charlotte Post Foundation is unable to engage eligible students directly through their schools. This program continues to thrive thanks to community word‑of‑mouth and the dedicated support of school guidance counselors, who help ensure eligible students are aware of the opportunity. 

For questions or additional information, please contact Andre Johnson at 980‑283‑2483 or Linda Johnson at 704-376-0498.

Click here to view a recent Top Senior publication.
Click here to watch our 2025 Top Senior Recognition Ceremony video.

Mallard Creek's, Kyla Hudson, left and Cato middle College's Ajae Purnell, right are the Post Foundation's 2025 CMS Top Senior and Top Senior runner up

2025 Top Senior Magazine->