The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has announced its 2025 cohort of Undergraduate Transfer Scholars, selecting 90 community college students from across the nation to receive scholarships of up to $55,000 per year for up to three years to complete their bachelor's degrees at four-year institutions.
This year's cohort, one of the largest in the Foundation's 25-year history, was selected from more than 1,600 applicants nationwide, with 90 students chosen from a semifinalist pool of 467. The scholarship aims to create debt-free pathways to higher education for high-achieving students with financial need.
"This year's cohort reflects the remarkable talent and determination thriving in community colleges nationwide," said Giuseppe "Seppy" Basili, Executive Director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. "As we mark 25 years of impact, we remain committed to amplifying the successes of these students and opening doors to the opportunities they deserve."
While nearly 80% of community college students aspire to earn a bachelor's degree, only 16% reach that goal within six years. Beyond financial support, the scholarship provides recipients with personalized advising, access to a network of over 3,400 Cooke Scholars and Alumni, and opportunities for internships, study abroad programs, and graduate school support.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has awarded almost $304 million in scholarships to more than 3,400 students since 2000, along with comprehensive educational advising and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $136 million in grants to organizations that serve promising students with financial need.
