Hsu Lay Wai Receives Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

Hsu Lay Wai is one of 60 community college students from across the country to receive the Cook Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. The scholarship will help Hsu Lay Wai, a biology graduate of Minneapolis College, complete her bachelor’s degree in medical lab science at the University of Minnesota.

The Cooke Foundation is committed to expanding access to high-quality, debt-free pathways for high-achieving students with financial need. While nearly 80% of community college students aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, only 16% reach that goal within six years. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship aims to help more students persist and complete their degrees by reducing financial barriers and providing the academic and advising support needed to navigate the transfer process. 

While researching community colleges online from her home in Myanmar, Wai discovered Minneapolis College and was drawn to its strong academic programs and clear transfer opportunities. Leaving behind the tropical climate of Myanmar for one of the coldest regions in the United States, she quickly adapted to the harsh winters with the encouragement and support of faculty, staff, and fellow students. 

During her time at Minneapolis College, Wai was active in the Asian Pacific Islander Club and worked as a peer tutor specializing in biology and chemistry. She also had the opportunity to serve as a student worker in the College’s microbiology lab, where she gained hands-on experience preparing materials, operating laboratory equipment, following safety protocols, and assisting with experiments. As a student worker in the College library, she was surrounded by countless books and supportive coworkers and supervisors. 

“The Cooke Scholars reflect the depth of talent and determination found in community colleges across the country,” said Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, Chief Executive Officer of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “They’ve demonstrated what they’re capable of, and we’re proud to help ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent them from continuing their education and realizing their full potential.” 

“I am grateful to Minneapolis College and to the dedicated faculty whose support, guidance, and mentorship provided me with invaluable experiences and encouraged me throughout my scholarship application process,” said Wai. “The experience I gained at Minneapolis College has equipped me with the skills and confidence to pursue my bachelor’s degree and, eventually, a master’s degree. My long-term goal is to conduct scientific research focused on heart disease, an area that has personally affected my family.”

"What a tremendous honor to have a Minneapolis College student awarded such a competitive and prestigious national scholarship,” exclaimed Maire Sustacek, biology faculty.  “It really reflects Hsu's outstanding work and is well-deserved.  Minneapolis College graduates are an incredible asset to the transfer institutions they attend, and I know that will be true of Hsu!"

The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides last dollar funding after all institutional aid and can provide as much as $55,000 per year to complete a bachelor’s degree at any accredited undergraduate institution. Beyond financial support, Scholars receive personalized advising to guide their academic and professional journeys. They also gain access to a nationwide network of more than 3,900 Cooke Scholars and Alumni, along with opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school support, ensuring they have the tools needed to thrive beyond community college. 

This year’s selection process drew more than 1,300 applications from community colleges across the country. The 60 new Scholars were selected from a semifinalist pool of 485 students. Applicants were evaluated based on academic achievement, perseverance, and leadership. Wai is the only recipient from the state of Minnesota.