68 Cooke Young Scholars Accepted into College Scholarship Program

LANSDOWNE, Va., Feb. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced today that 68 current Cooke Young Scholars will continue to receive the organization's comprehensive educational advising and financial support as Cooke College Scholars. Through the Cooke College Scholarship Program, the Foundation provides scholars with up to $40,000 per year for up to four years to complete a bachelor's degree. Cooke Scholars also have access to opportunities for internships, study abroad, and a thriving community of motivated peers.

These high-achieving students each entered the Cooke Young Scholars Program during their 8^th grade year. Together, they have attended summer programs on college campuses and participated in enrichment programs in cities such as Athens, Greece; Santiago, Chile; and Washington, DC.

Each Cooke Young Scholar and their family also worked one-on-one with an educational adviser to create an individualized learning plan (ILP) and maximize their high school experience. Members of this cohort have founded and led organizations, won regional and national academic competitions, published their works, been chosen as captains of teams, and conducted research at the collegiate level.

"It's been incredible to watch these scholars take ownership of their learning and prepare to engage and lead purposefully," said Executive Director Seppy Basili. "We look forward to seeing the impact they will have as they complete college and beyond."

The Foundation is currently seeking applications for the 20^th cohort of its Cooke Young Scholars program. High-performing 7^th graders have until March 23, 2020 to apply to this five-year pre-college scholarship. Visit the Foundation's website to view eligibility requirements and begin the application.

The Cooke Young Scholars Program serves as a pathway to the Foundation's prestigious college scholarship, but that application is also open to high school seniors each fall. Last month, 477 high school seniors were selected as Cooke College Scholar Semifinalists from over 5,300 applicants nationwide. In April, the Foundation will announce additional Cooke College Scholars from the semifinalists.

The names of the Cooke College Scholars from the Young Scholars Program can be found here, listed along with the states and high schools they represent.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded over $200 million in scholarships to over 2,700 students from 8^th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive educational advising and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $110 million in grants to organizations that serve such students. www.jkcf.org

SOURCE Jack Kent Cooke Foundation