Graduating seniors Allen Garcia from Berkmar High School, Daniel Pham* from Parkview High School, Sophia Ahn from Seckinger High School, and Nashra Khan* from Shiloh High School have been named 2024 Cooke College Scholars by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. This scholarship aims to help students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, leadership, and persistence attend top universities and avoid student debt.

     Cooke College Scholars receive as much as $55,000 annually to complete a bachelor’s degree at any accredited undergraduate institution in the United States. They also receive ongoing academic coaching and advising, graduate school and career advising, and an invaluable connection to a robust network of peers in the Cooke Scholar community. In addition, Cooke College Scholars will also receive opportunities for internships and study abroad, as well as eligibility to apply for graduate school funding.

     “On behalf of Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS), I extend heartfelt congratulations to Allen, Daniel, Sophia, and Nashra for being awarded the prestigious Cooke College Scholarship,” GCPS Superintendent Dr. Calvin J. Watts shares. “Their hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and we are incredibly proud of them. As they embark on their higher education journey, I have no doubt they will continue to excel and make significant contributions to their chosen field.”    

     The GCPS students are among a select group of 118 graduating high school students, including 58 Cooke Young Scholars, representing 34 states and Washington, D.C. This year, students from all 50 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico, applied for the Cooke College Scholarship, representing more than 3,800 different high schools. The Foundation evaluated each submission and selected Scholars based on their academic ability, persistence, leadership, and financial need. Scholars will go on to study in fields such as biology, engineering, computer science, fine arts, and political science.

     The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of promising students with financial need. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded almost $282 million in scholarships to more than 3,300 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive educational advising, career pathway counseling, and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $133 million in grants to organizations that serve such students.

 

*Indicates that this student is also a current Cooke Young Scholar.