#United States #Higher Education #Community College #Jack Kent Cooke #Lansdowne

Ninety Community College Students Awarded Transfer Scholarships

In a significant advancement towards enhancing higher education accessibility, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has announced that it will grant scholarships to 90 community college students. This initiative aims to assist these talented individuals in completing their bachelor's degrees at four-year institutions while alleviating financial burdens.

The awards come from the prestigious Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship program, marking one of the largest cohorts in the foundation's 25-year history. This commitment to supporting high-achieving students from diverse backgrounds reflects the foundation’s enduring mission to foster debt-free pathways to higher education. According to Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, Executive Director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, "This year's cohort highlights the incredible talent and determination thriving in community colleges across the nation. As we celebrate 25 years of impactful work, our dedication to empowering these students remains strong. We aim to provide them with the opportunities they distinctly deserve."

Despite the fact that nearly 80% of community college students aspire to obtain a bachelor's degree, research indicates that only 16% actually reach this milestone within six years. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship addresses this gap by offering substantial last-dollar funding that can reach up to $55,000 per year for a duration of three years. This financial support is complemented by helpful advisory services tailored to guide scholars through their academic and career progression.

Furthermore, the scholarship provides exclusive access to a vast network of over 3,400 Cooke Scholars and Alumni, equipping them with invaluable connections and opportunities, including internships, study abroad programs, and graduate school assistance. This comprehensive network ensures that scholars have the necessary resources to thrive as they transition from community college to more advanced studies.

This year's selection process witnessed an impressive pool of more than 1,600 applicants from community colleges nationwide, showcasing the competitive nature of the program. The 90 scholars that were selected emerged from a semifinalist group of 467 outstanding candidates. Evaluation criteria included academic performance, financial need, resilience, and demonstrated leadership abilities, ensuring that the recipients truly reflect the potential and promise of their communities.

As part of marking their achievements and contribution, a complete list of the 2025 Cooke Transfer Scholars along with their corresponding community colleges is made available to the public. The transparent selection highlights the foundation's commitment to recognizing excellence in education across varied institutions. To learn more about the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship and its mission, interested individuals can visit the foundation's website.

About The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is a well-established nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education for exceptionally talented students who face financial challenges. Since its inception in 2000, the foundation has disbursed an impressive $304 million in scholarships to over 3,400 students spanning from the eighth grade through to graduate levels. In addition to monetary support, the foundation provides extensive educational counseling, career development opportunities, and other essential resources to ensure the comprehensive success of its scholars. Moreover, they have contributed an additional $136 million in grants to other organizations dedicated to serving similar student populations, demonstrating a broader commitment to educational equity. Visit www.jkcf.org for more information.