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Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Announces 2026 College Scholarship Recipients

On April 1, 2026, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation made a significant announcement that will change the lives of many high-achieving students across the United States. The foundation revealed the names of 60 outstanding high school seniors who will receive the prestigious 2026 Cooke College Scholarship. This scholarship is more than just financial aid; it embodies the foundation's mission to empower talented students with the support they need to attend and graduate from college without overwhelming debt.

Scholarship Details

The Cooke College Scholarship follows a last-dollar award model, which means it supplements any existing financial aid that the recipients may have. Each scholar can receive up to $55,000 per year to help cover the cost of their education at any accredited institution. This funding is designed to alleviate the burden of student debt and enable students from financial need backgrounds to focus on their studies and personal growth.

Seppy Basili, the CEO of the Cooke Foundation, expressed pride in announcing this year's cohort of Cooke College Scholars. He stated, "These students have demonstrated extraordinary academic achievement and leadership. We are excited to celebrate them as they move forward in pursuing their educational and professional ambitions."

Growing College Applications

This announcement arrives at a time of increasing college applications nationwide. According to recent data from Common App, the number of students applying for college is at an all-time high. Additionally, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms being completed are also on track to reach record levels, showcasing a growing commitment from students to pursue higher education.

Comprehensive Support for Scholars

Besides financial assistance, the Cooke College Scholars program offers recipients comprehensive advising and enrichment opportunities throughout their college journey. Scholars benefit from personalized academic advising, career guidance, and access to internship and study abroad opportunities. This holistic approach ensures that students not only succeed academically but also gain valuable experiences that will aid in their future careers.

Moreover, after completing their undergraduate degree, these talented scholars become eligible for additional funding for graduate studies, enabling them to continue their educational pursuits without the fear of financial constraints.

A Diverse Cohort

The 2026 Cooke College Scholars hail from 31 states and the District of Columbia, reflecting a rich diversity in academic backgrounds and aspirations. In addition to the 60 new recipients, the foundation also acknowledged 56 high school seniors who have been part of the Cooke Young Scholars program over the past five years, as they transition into the College Scholarship program.

The names and details of all 2026 Cooke College Scholars, including their respective high schools and states, are available through the foundation's official communications.

About the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has been dedicated to amplifying the voices and aspirations of exceptionally promising students from low-income backgrounds since its inception. Its commitment to education is evident in the over $332 million awarded in scholarships to nearly 3,900 students spanning from eighth grade to graduate school since the year 2000. Moreover, the foundation has allocated $144 million in grants to support organizations that assist these bright young minds in their educational journeys.

For further details, you can visit their official website at www.jkcf.org. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation continues to be a pivotal force in transforming lives through access to quality education and comprehensive support.