Sprint provides scholarships annually to North Carolina residents enrolled full-time in a course of study leading to a technical degree or vocational diploma. Priority in awarding the scholarships will be to "minorities and displaced workers." The purpose of the scholarship program is to make educational funds available primarily to those persons who have been hardest hit by recession and chronic unemployment of minorities and displaced workers who are seeking new job skills. Other factors to be considered will include scholastic achievement, individual financial need, participation in outside activities, and a demonstrated interest in a technical or vocational career.