#USA #Education #Jack Kent Cooke #Lansdowne #College Scholarship

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Unveils 2026 Scholarship Semifinalists

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, known for its commitment to supporting high-achieving students with financial need, has recently announced the names of 568 ambitious high school seniors who have been selected as semifinalists for its distinguished Cooke College Scholarship Program for 2026. This year’s talented applicants hail from an impressive array of over 4,100 high schools throughout the United States, including all 50 states, Washington, D.C., as well as territories like American Samoa, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.

A Testament to Academic Excellence

Natalie Rodriguez Jansorn, the Vice President of Scholarship Programs at the Cooke Foundation, expressed her pride in the incoming cohort, stating, "Each of these semifinalists has demonstrated extraordinary academic achievement. We are continually inspired by the ambition and talents of the many students that apply for the Foundation’s college scholarship, and we are excited to recognize them as they prepare to take the next big step in their education."

The Cooke College Scholarship is designed to empower high-achieving students to pursue their education with minimal financial burden. Awardees receive substantial financial support—up to $55,000 annually—after utilizing all other forms of institutional aid, paving the way for them to attend any accredited undergraduate institution of their choice.

Comprehensive Support Beyond Funding

Beyond the financial assistance, the scholarship offers invaluable resources including tailored college planning, ongoing advising, and opportunities for networking within the broader Cooke community, ensuring that recipients not only enroll in college but are also well-prepared to succeed.

The next steps for these semifinalists involve a thorough selection process, with final scholarship recipients expected to be announced in the spring. "With our mission to support exceptionally promising students with financial need, the Cooke Foundation has awarded more than $332 million in scholarships to nearly 3,900 students over the past 25 years," said Executive Director Giuseppe Basili, emphasizing the Foundation's long-standing dedication to educational advancement paired with financial assistance.

Criteria for Selection

Recipients of the Cooke College Scholarship are typically chosen based on criteria such as exceptional academic performance, persistence in overcoming challenges, leadership qualities, and a demonstrated commitment to community service. This year’s group of semifinalists reflects this ethos, showcasing an impressive blend of talent and determination.

Prospective applicants must be current high school seniors and must exhibit a clear financial need. Those interested in applying for the Cooke College Scholarship can find more information and sign up for notifications about the next application cycle, which opens in fall 2026.

About the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

Established in 2000, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation aims to promote educational advancement for exceptionally promising students facing financial challenges. With funds exceeding $332 million allocated in scholarships to nearly 3,900 students from as early as 8th grade through to graduate school, the Foundation also provides a holistic suite of support services including educational advising and career pathway counseling. Moreover, the organization has committed approximately $144 million in grants to agencies serving such students, reinforcing its mission to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder educational aspirations.