There are a few scholarships in existence that are more than scholarships. They equip recipients to succeed in college and after with expert college experience advice as well as
networking opportunities with other award alumni.
This combination makes these types of scholarships very prestigious and highly sought-after. Neither of these things should discourage students from applying. In fact, it should make them all the more motivated.
One such scholarship opportunity is the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation scholarships. These awards are open to both high school and college students.
Jack Kent Cooke Scholarships
Jack Kent Cooke was a Canadian-American businessman who made a fortune in
broadcasting and professional sports. He owned multiple sports teams during his lifetime, including the now Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Lakers, and several more.
Though he quit his formal education to work full-time for his family during The Great Depression, he strongly believed that education was pivotal in helping individuals achieve success. At the time of his death, he instructed that the bulk of his wealth be used to start a foundation that would help students achieve their educational dreams.
Today, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has awarded over $250 million scholarships to students and $125 million in grants to organizations and causes that prioritize education.
Deadline: 11/16/23
Award Amount: Up to $55,000
Available to: High School Seniors
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers high school seniors the chance to apply for the College Scholarship Program. Recipients can qualify for up to $55,000 per year to attend an accredit four-year college or university.
Each scholarship aims to cover a significant portion of the college costs for recipients. Award money can be used to pay for the following:
• Tuition
• Living expenses
• Books
• Required fees
In addition to the scholarship, recipients benefit from personal advising though the college selection and financial aid processes. They also receive advice on how to successfully transition to college as well as gain access to a network of professionals that spans 3,200 past recipients.
To qualify, students must demonstrate financial need; have at least a 3.5 GPA; and show persistence, leadership, and a desire to help others throughout their high school career.
While the application for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is currently closed, it opens again in October. The deadline for the application typically falls in January.
This scholarship is open to students who are
currently attending a two- or four-year program at a college and wish to transfer to another institution. Students must be enrolled in a program on January 1, 2024, with the intent to re-enroll elsewhere for the Fall 2024 semester.
Like the College Scholarship Program, recipients will receive up to $55,000 to cover tuition, living expenses, books, and fees. This scholarship is available to students for two or three years, depending on their graduation timeline once they transfer.
Recipients will also have access to expert advice on college life and financial aid, with an emphasis on maximizing the transfer experience.
Young Artist Award
While not a college scholarship, the Young Artist Award is still a scholarship opportunity for students for ages 8 – 18 through the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. This
award helps young musicians hone their talent through financial support of their education.
Every year, the Foundation gives away 20 awards of $10,000 each. Awards can be used to cover instrument purchases, private lessons, summer camps, travel for college auditions, and more.
Additionally, recipients get the chance to perform on PBS and NPR’s program, From the Top, as well as participate in artist leadership training.
How to Qualify for Prestigious Awards
Prestigious awards typically attract a great deal of applicants. As you navigate your high school career, think of yourself as a scholarship candidate the entire time.
This perspective will help you schedule classes, balance out your extracurricular activities, and maintain good standing throughout your high school career. When it is time to
apply for prestigious scholarships, you’ll set yourself apart from others by being a well-rounded candidate.
Good Grades
It’s a common misconception that prestigious scholarships require students to have a perfect GPA. Fortunately, that’s not the case.
These
awards will have minimum GPA thresholds, but they aren’t as stringent as having perfect grades all throughout high school. While every scholarship is different, it’s ok to have a few Bs on your transcript.
Financial Need
Some prestigious scholarships require that students demonstrate financial need. They may not accept applications for students whose household is above the income threshold designated by the organization.
Scholarship providers will also verify that applicants meet the income threshold stipulated in their eligibility requirements by examining a student’s
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). If you hope to qualify for certain scholarships, as well as financial aid, it’s imperative that this form be completed and submitted each year.
School and Community Involvement
Finally, it will enhance your application if you’re involved in a
range of extracurricular activities outside of the classroom. This could be anything, from playing on a sports team to volunteering on the weekends at a local soup kitchen.
Most students that apply for these scholarships will have great grades and perhaps an extracurricular or two. What will help you stand out is having a variety of clubs and organizations that show how versatile you are as a student.
