Community College of Philadelphia is proud to announce that five students at the College are semifinalists for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. CCP students Angie Orozco-Rasique, Amin Bacon, Fatoumata Sacko, Kamal J. Rhodes, and Olivia Schade have all been named semifinalists for the scholarship. There are 467 total semifinalists for the program.
“We see the immense talent of our students every day,” said College President Dr. Donald Guy Generals. “Having five students recognized as semifinalists for one of the nation’s most prestigious scholarships just confirms how extraordinary CCP students are. I’m proud of their accomplishments and look forward to the announcement of the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship finalists in the coming weeks. The College has had great success in producing Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship winners over the last eight years, a reflection of the quality of education provided by our faculty and staff.”
This scholarship aims to help community college students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, leadership, and service transfer to top four-year institutions and avoid student debt. The award, which is last-dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide as much as $55,000 per year for two to three years to complete a bachelor’s degree at any accredited four-year undergraduate institution in the U.S.
“Our Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship represents a lifeline for exceptional community college students to actualize their academic dreams,” said Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, Executive Director of the Cooke Foundation. “This year’s semifinalists exemplify the extraordinary talent found within community colleges across America, and we’re excited to congratulate this group as we celebrate a quarter century of work as a Foundation.”
The 467 semifinalists were chosen from a pool of more than 1,600 applicants and attended 212 community colleges in 43 states.
“I was so happy when I got notified that I was a semifinalist for this scholarship,” said Angie Orozco-Rasique. “The Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships, and I am really honored to have been named a semifinalist. This is a life-changing opportunity, not only for the financial support, but also because the sense of community that Cooke scholars share is so special.”
The rigorous selection process assesses candidates on their exceptional academic ability and achievement, demonstrated financial need, perseverance, and leadership.
“I’m honored to be named a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship,” Amin Bacon said. “Being selected for this scholarship would mean the world to me—it wouldn’t just change my life, but also the lives of my family and those in my community. This opportunity would be a testament that with hard work, dedication, and the right support system, anything is possible!”
Fatoumata Sacko said: “I am honored to be named a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. As an immigrant and single mother, this recognition means the world to me. It reaffirms my belief that hard work and perseverance can open doors, no matter the challenges. If I’m selected, this scholarship would be life-changing, allowing me to pursue my passion for mathematics and data science without the burden of financial strain. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited for what’s ahead.”
The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides comprehensive support that extends far beyond financial assistance, recognizing that admission and enrollment are only the beginning. This scholarship is designed to help students not only reach college but successfully navigate and complete their journey.
“I am truly grateful to be a semifinalist for this scholarship. This acknowledgment from the foundation is a testament to the fact that hard work pays off and that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams,” Kamal J. Rhodes said.
Selected Cooke Transfer Scholars receive personalized educational advising from the Foundation’s Deans of Scholar Support, who guide them through the transition to a four-year institution and help prepare them for future careers. Scholars also gain access to transformative opportunities, including internships, study abroad experiences, and graduate school funding, as well as inclusion in a thriving community of more than 3,400 fellow Cooke Scholars and Alumni who provide mentorship and networking connections throughout their academic and professional lives.
“I’m so grateful to be a Jack Kent Cooke semifinalist,” Olivia Schade said. “If you told me three years ago that I’d be here, I would not have believed you. No matter what the outcome is, I’m grateful and proud of my fellow semifinalists.”
