To be eligible for the GATE scholarship you must live in one of North Carolina's 85 rural counties, or you must have been laid off from your last job and plan to start your business in one of the 85 rural counties. Depending on your location, you may be able to work with a local GATE counselor at your community college. If not, you can work with a GATE counselor by phone and email through the virtual site. Visit the locations section to learn more about where GATE is offered. There are a few other eligibly requirements you must meet in order to apply for the GATE scholarship: You must be 18 or older and eligible to work in the United States If you are a male, you must be in compliance with the registration provisions of the Military Selective Service Act you must complete an orientation session and scholarship application you must be a dislocated worker (lost a job through no fault of your own due to a business closing or layoff) and be eligible for the Workforce Investment Act (IA) program Click here to find out if you meet the dislocated worker eligibility requirements If you are unsure about any of these items, visit your local JobLink Career Center to learn more.  Call 1-800-562-6333 to find a center near you.