4 Students as Semifinalists for Prestigious Cooke Scholarship
Four Fullerton College students have been selected as semi-finalists for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship. Luis Garcia Chavez, Omar Garcia, Andres Reyna, and McKenzie Russell are among 406 semifinalists across 398 community colleges in 44 states and the District of Columbia.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced on Feb. 22 the semifinalists for its highly competitive Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Through this award, the Foundation supports exceptionally talented community college students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degrees.
“The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship recognizes that community college students are among the most resilient and talented scholars, and it removes the financial barriers that often stand in the way of the opportunity to fulfill their academic potential at a 4-year university. We are proud to have four Hornets selected as semifinalists for this prestigious award,” said Fullerton College Transfer Center director Cecilia Ariaza.
In the last five years, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has awarded three Fullerton College students with the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship and has recognized more than a dozen as semifinalists.
“The research is clear: our community colleges are full of talented students with a diversity of experiences that contribute to their educational journey. We see this in our applicant pool every year, and are excited to recognize this group of semifinalists for their academic achievements,” said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “We are especially impressed by the incredible perseverance and drive these students have exhibited during such an unprecedented year.”
The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship recipients will be announced in April. In addition to financial support, selected Cooke Transfer Scholars will receive comprehensive educational advising from the Foundation to guide them through the process of transitioning to a four-year school and preparing for their careers. Undergraduate Transfer Scholars will additionally receive opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school funding, as well as connection to a thriving network of over 2,800 fellow Cooke Scholars and Alumni.
