New College Scholarship Opens for High-Achieving, Low-Income Students Nationwide

Scholarship One of Most Generous in Nation for High School Seniors

LANSDOWNE, Va., Sept. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation opened a new college scholarship for high-achieving, lower-income high school seniors who seek to attend the country's best four-year colleges and universities.  In what is expected to be an extremely competitive scholarship, as many as 40 recipients will be awarded up to $30,000 each year for tuition, books, living expenses, and other required fees. The application is open through November 5, 2013. Final notification will be made in February 2014.

Low-income students attending even the best colleges often have unmet need and the transition to college can be challenging for many.  "Though we are proud to offer one of the most generous college scholarships in the country, our program will do more than alleviate the financial burden of higher education," said Emily Froimson, vice president of programs at the Foundation. "Scholarship recipients will have access to an on-staff adviser, a supportive community of extraordinary scholars, and opportunities they might not otherwise have, such as funding for internships, study abroad and the opportunity to apply for continued funding for graduate study. There are few programs like it." 

To be eligible, applicants must plan to graduate from a U.S. high school in spring 2014 and enroll in an accredited four-year college in fall 2014; earn a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above; receive a SAT combined math and critical reading score of 1200 or above or an ACT composite score of 26 or above; and demonstrate unmet financial need. A rigorous review will consider grades, standardized test scores, participation in available advanced courses, student essays, letters of recommendation, and family finances.

For information about the College Scholarship Program, visit http://www.jkcf.org/scholarships/college-scholarship-program/. 

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is a private, independent foundation dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Because we believe that high-potential, low-income students will excel educationally when given the resources to develop their talents, the Foundation supports exceptional students from elementary school to graduate school through scholarships, grants, direct service, and knowledge creation and dissemination. Founded in 2000 by the estate of Jack Kent Cooke, the Foundation has awarded $120 million in scholarships to more than 1,900 students, and $76 million in grants to organizations that support our mission.  www.jkcf.org

SOURCE Jack Kent Cooke Foundation