Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship

Scholarship Overview:
The College Scholarship Program is the largest undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. College Scholars receive up to $40,000 per year, college planning support, ongoing advising, the opportunity to network with the larger Cooke Scholar community, and a pathway to the foundation’s $50,000 per year Graduate Scholarship. The application period is open from August to November.

Website: Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship
Application: Sign-In & Apply (Note: the application takes place in the Common App)
Overview Webinar: Review Here
Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ

Eligibility Requirements:

• Plan to graduate from a U.S. high school in Spring 2023
• Intend to enroll full-time in an accredited 4-year college beginning in the following Fall
• Earn a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above in high school
• Demonstrate financial need (will consider applicants with family income up to $95,000, however, anticipate that a majority of scholarship recipients will be eligible to receive a Pell grant)

Required Documentation:

• Official high school transcript
• Two (2) recommendation letters: one (1) from an 11th grade teacher in a core academic subject (English/language arts, mathematics, social studies/history, science, or foreign language), and one (1) from another teacher or professor who has worked with you in the last four years
• Essay question, approximately 500 words
• Student Aid Report (from FAFSA) to identify financial need

Selection Criteria:

1. Exceptional academic ability and achievement: Strong academic record, academic awards and honors, and substantive assessments by educators providing confidential recommendations. In addition to GPA and college entrance exam scores, we consider participation in available advanced courses, commitment to learning, and intellectual curiosity.
2. Unmet financial need: Demonstrate unmet financial need. We will consider applicants with family income up to $95,000. Last year’s cohort of new college scholarship recipients had a median family income of approximately $26,000.
3. Persistence: Determination and perseverance in the face of challenges, ability to set and remain focused on goals and to put in the effort needed to meet those goals in the face of obstacles.
4. Leadership: Ability to organize and positively influence others in and out of school (family, religious community, sports, arts, etc.).
5. Service to Others: Purposeful and meaningful commitment to others which may be evidenced by participation in volunteer/community service activities.

Open to DREAMers: Yes
Contact Information: email scholarships@jkcf.org or call 800-941-3300.