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Applications for Nation’s Largest Pre-College Scholarship Due by March 21

  • 02/22/18

Landsdowne, Va. – The Cooke Foundation today announced the opening of the application period for its Young Scholars Program, the largest high school scholarship and advising program in the United States, for high-performing 7th grade students with financial need.

Each year, approximately 50 students will be selected from a pool of more than 2,000 applicants to participate in the five-year program, starting in 8th grade through high school graduation. Those selected receive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for school, Cooke-sponsored summer programming, peer community engagement, and other learning enrichment opportunities.

“The Young Scholars Program gives some of the brightest young minds in the nation access to high quality academic programs that they otherwise couldn’t afford,” said Cooke Foundation Executive Director Harold O. Levy. “We pair students early on with an educational adviser who will work to ensure they make the most out of their high school experiences, and are prepared for success at competitive colleges and universities.”

The program provides a pathway to the Cooke College Scholarship Program, which is worth up to $40,000 a year. Many Young Scholars have also received Cooke Graduate Scholarships, worth up to $75,000.

To be eligible for the Young Scholars Program, a student must: 1) currently be in 7th grade, 2) earn grades of all or mostly As with no Cs in core academic subjects during 6th and 7th grade, 3) have a family adjusted gross income of less than $95,000, and 4) be willing to participate in required multi-week residential summer programs.

More information about the Cooke Young Scholars Program, including instructions on how to apply and a video featuring scholars, can be found here.

About the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

The Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the foundation has awarded $175 million in scholarships to more than 2,300 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive counseling and other support services. The foundation has also provided over $97 million in grants to organizations that serve such students. www.jkcf.org

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