CCBC students Nour Miswadeh and Kyle Clarke Echeverria are among the 90 high-achieving community college students selected to receive the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The highly competitive national scholarship aims for Cooke Scholars to complete their undergraduate educations with as little debt as possible. The award, which is last dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide Kyle and Nour with as much as $55,000 a year to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Nour is graduating with a degree in digital media production. She plans to continue her education at UMBC and major in Print Media Visual Arts. Kyle, a former CCBC Honors College student, has already begun pursuing his bachelor’s degree at UCLA. Only four students with Maryland received this honor.
“This year’s cohort reflects the remarkable talent and determination thriving in community colleges nationwide,” said Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, Executive Director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “As we mark 25 years of impact, we remain committed to amplifying the successes of these students and opening doors to the opportunities they deserve.”
This year’s selection process drew more than 1,600 applications from community colleges across the nation. Ninety new Scholars were selected from a semifinalist pool of 467 students. Applicants were evaluated based on their academic achievement, unmet financial need, persistence and leadership qualities.
While nearly 80% of community college students aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, only 16% reach that goal within six years. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, which makes this goal more attainable for selected students, provides last-dollar funding of up to $55,000 per year for up to three years and eases the financial burden of completing a four-year degree. Beyond funding, Scholars receive personalized advising to guide their academic and professional journeys. Scholars also gain access to a nationwide network of more than 3,400 Cooke Scholars and Alumni, along with opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school support – ensuring they have every tool needed to thrive beyond community college.
CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis remarked, "The accomplishments of our students fill us with immense pride, and earning the title of a Cooke Scholar is both highly sought after and a remarkable feat. Congratulations to Nour and Kyle; their unwavering dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence are clear in this well-deserved honor. Their success not only demonstrates the strength of CCBC but also the limitless potential of all our students."
Director, Communications
