Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Celebrates 25 Years with 70 New Scholars

In 2025, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation reached an important milestone, celebrating its 25th anniversary by awarding scholarships to 70 exceptional high school seniors. This year, the number of recipients increased by ten compared to the previous year, highlighting the foundation's commitment to supporting talented students facing financial barriers in higher education.

The Cooke College Scholarship program offers significant financial support, providing recipients with up to $55,000 per year. This funding acts as last-dollar support after all other institutional aid has been applied, ensuring that scholars are less burdened by debt as they pursue their bachelor’s degrees at accredited institutions. The scholarships are designed for academically gifted individuals who have shown resilience and leadership, reflecting the foundation's mission of removing financial obstacles for students with great potential.

Seppy Basili, Executive Director of the Cooke Foundation, expressed pride in the expansion of their scholarship offerings. “As we celebrate 25 years of work as a Foundation, we are proud to expand our commitment by supporting 70 students this year. This increase reflects not only the quality of applications we received, but also our response to the growing financial barriers facing talented students with financial need,” Basili stated.

The rising trend in college applications mirrors the growing financial hurdles faced by students across the nation. Recent data from the Common App revealed a 4% increase in first-year applicants this admission cycle, with a notable 8% rise among those from families earning below the median income. While more students than ever are pursuing higher education, the challenges of affordability remain a significant hurdle.

Beyond financial assistance, the Cooke Scholars program offers a comprehensive suite of resources that includes academic coaching, graduate school and career advising, opportunities for internships, and options for study abroad experiences. Scholars also gain membership to a robust network of fellow scholars and alumni, providing crucial support and guidance throughout their educational journeys. Furthermore, once they complete their undergraduate studies, they become eligible to apply for additional funding for graduate education.

The 2025 cohort of Cooke Scholars is diverse, with students hailing from 29 states, as well as the District of Columbia and American Samoa. Their backgrounds and stories underscore the foundation's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in higher education. The complete list of this year's awardees, along with information on their respective high schools and states, can be accessed on the foundation's website.

In summary, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation continues to play a vital role in advancing the education of financially disadvantaged yet academically talented individuals. Since its inception in 2000, the foundation has awarded more than $304 million in scholarships to over 3,400 students ranging from the eighth grade to graduate school, in addition to providing nearly $136 million in grants to organizations that support similar missions. The Cooke Foundation's ongoing efforts underscore the importance of investing in the potential of our youth, paving the way for future leaders in our society.

For more information about the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and its scholarships, visit jkcf.org.