Seven students from Georgia State University’s Perimeter College were selected as semifinalists for the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, according to a March 17 announcement. The students are among 485 semifinalists chosen from over 1,300 applicants representing 224 community colleges across 37 states.
The scholarship aims to help high-achieving community college students complete their bachelor’s degrees without debt at any accredited four-year college or university in the United States. Recipients can receive up to $55,000 per year for two to three years, which is intended to remove financial barriers and support academic success.
Perimeter College’s semifinalists and their areas of study include Amr Abdelkawy (Biology), Nader Adem (Computer Science), Navila Azad (Physics), Bukuru Josephine (Health Science Professions), Claudia Madden (Art), Ndeye Sarr (Engineering), and Ceci Vaughn (General Studies).
Lauri Goodling, associate dean for the Honors College and International Initiatives at Perimeter, said, “This year’s group of semifinalists are especially engaged on our campus and in the community. They are seizing literally every opportunity they come upon, and it’s thrilling to watch. They are serving as campus leaders, working in the University Assistantship Program (UAP), studying abroad, presenting at conferences, co-authoring articles with professors, and fighting for social and political change. They are on fire with activity, and I love seeing those efforts recognized.”
Kari Miller, research and scholarship coordinator for the Honors College and professor of English, mentors students through the application process. Miller said, “Working with these talented, driven students is so energizing and motivating. I am grateful that resources like the JKC Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship exist, and it’s an honor to assist students in their pursuit of scholarships.”
Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation said: “Through the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation works to ensure that exceptional community college students have the opportunities to reach their full academic potential. This year’s semifinalists reflect the remarkable talent and ambition found in community colleges nationwide.”
Since 2002, thirty Perimeter College students have received this scholarship. Many have transferred to institutions such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University, Stanford University, Emory University, Georgia Tech and Georgia State University’s Atlanta Campus. The foundation will announce its winners in May.
