Apply Now: National Scholarship Application for Community College Students Transferring to Four-Year College Fall 2021

LANSDOWNE, Va., Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced the opening of applications for its Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, which is designed to help reduce financial barriers for talented students applying to selective colleges and universities. In addition to the financial award, selected students receive college planning guidance and ongoing advising throughout their college experience and early career. Students also benefit from joining a unique network of scholars and alumni.

"We know that community college students demonstrate great leadership and academic achievements, yet are often overlooked by selective colleges and universities," said Seppy Basili, the Foundation's executive director. "We are proud to shine a spotlight on exceptional community college students, and offer a community of peers, advisers, and alumni that can support their transition to a new institution, and to a meaningful career." 

The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, awards community college students with up to $40,000 per year for up to three years to complete their bachelor's degree. The application is available exclusively via the Common App's online platform, which provides a familiar and streamlined experience for students.

"Community college can be a terrific, affordable pathway to some of our country's top universities," said Jenny Rickard, President and CEO of Common App. "We are committed to helping vulnerable students and students of color access a life-changing postsecondary education, and believe the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is among the best opportunities for exceptionally talented students. Cost should not get in the way, and we are proud to make accessing financial aid easier for students."

To be eligible for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, at a minimum, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Sophomore Status – Be a current student at an accredited U.S. community college or two-year institution with sophomore status by January 1, 2021, or a recent graduate (since spring 2016).
• Fall College Enrollment– Plan to enroll full-time in a baccalaureate program at an accredited college or university in fall 2021.
• GPA– Have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.50 or better on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent).
• Financial Need– Demonstrate unmet financial need. We will consider applicants with family income up to $95,000.
• No previous enrollment or attendance at a four-year institution – Students who have attended a four-year institution in the past are not eligible for this scholarship.

The Foundation received nearly 1,500 completed Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship applications last year and selected 50 Cooke Transfer Scholars. Before heading to campus this fall, new scholars have the opportunity to virtually connect and network with their cohort, and participate in college and career workshops led by program staff and alumni.  

The final deadline to submit the completed Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship application is January 6, 2021. The application will close at midnight in the applicant's local time zone.

For more details on the scholarships and the application process, please visit: www.jkcf.org/transfer.

About the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation:

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 $222 million in scholarships to over 2,800 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive educational advising and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $115 million in grants to organizations that serve such students. www.jkcf.org

SOURCE Jack Kent Cooke Foundation