Three Students Named as 2019 Cooke Scholarship Semifinalists
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced the 2019 semifinalists for its prestigious Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Clockwise from top left: Ebise Teshale, Raniya Yimam and Simone Campbell.
This year’s semifinalists were chosen from a pool of nearly 1,500 applicants attending 369 schools in 45 states and the District of Columbia.
Cooke Transfer Scholars are selected based on exceptional academic ability and achievement, financial need, persistence, service to others, and leadership. Students must be currently enrolled community college students residing in the United States.
Cooke Scholarship sends 2-year college grads to prestigious 4-year institutions
The Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is the largest scholarship for transfer students in the nation. The students are each in the running for $40,000 per year for up to 3 years to pursue a bachelor's degree. Through this scholarship, the Foundation supports high-achieving community college students as they transfer to some of the top 4-year institutions in the country to complete their bachelor’s degrees.
“Meaningful learning must be pursued with diligence and passion. It requires focus, concentration and careful persistence…characteristics demonstrated by these 3 students. By virtue of their academic achievements and commitment to civic engagement, Raniya, Simone, and Ebise have become semifinalists in a highly selective and competitive process. Minneapolis College is honored to be a part of their journey. We look forward to all they will achieve in the future,” remarked Minneapolis College President Sharon Pierce.
“Countless highly-talented and motivated students begin their college experience at community college, and our recent ‘Persistence’ report shows that they excel after they transfer,” said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.
“We’re pleased to recognize this incredible cohort of semifinalists for their academic drive and achievement.”
The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship recipients will be announced in April. Each selected scholar will not only be provided generous financial support for up to 3 years, but college planning services, ongoing advising, and the opportunity to connect with a thriving community of fellow Cooke Scholars.