LSC students receive Jack Kent Cooke undergraduate transfer scholarships

Scholarship covers expenses to complete bachelor's degree

Winners left to right: Lacy Butler, Angelica Bernal Penaloza, Madison Terry.

LSC Foundation hosted a lunch this past June to honor the 16 semi-finalists and three finalists of the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation (JKCF) awarded Lacy Butler, LSC-Kingwood; Angelica Bernal Penaloza, LSC-Kingwood; and Madison Terry, LSC-Tomball the prestigious Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The national scholarship is intended to cover a significant share of a student's educational expenses to complete their bachelor's degrees.

"Receiving a Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship can be life changing," said Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., LSC Chancellor. "This highly competitive national scholarship will truly make a difference for these students as they continue their education."

Finalists will receive up to $55,000 per year for up to three years to cover a substantial share of educational expenses including tuition, living expenses, books and required fees.

"The finalists selected are enrolled in the Lone Star Honors College which meets the needs of high-achieving students who are looking to improve their college transcripts and transferability with challenging coursework," said Katharine Caruso, Ph.D., LSC Associate Vice Chancellor Honors and International Education.

Finalists will also receive all-inclusive educational advising from JKCF staff to guide them through the processes of transitioning to a four-year school and preparing them for their careers. To date, 29 LSC students have been awarded the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship since 2012.

"Today, almost half of all college students begin their academic career at a community college," said Seppy Basili, JKCF Executive Director. "We know our community colleges are full of high-achieving students and we're committed to playing our part to ensure those students succeed."

LSC had 19 semi-finalists named this year. That recognition can lead to increased offers of transfer admission and scholarships. The 19 students represent 58% of all the semifinalists in Texas. Many of the semi-finalists received LSC Foundation scholarships as well.

At the reception held in June, the semi-finalists didn't leave empty handed though. Each semi-finalist received a $10,000 scholarship from LSC Foundation to continue their studies.

"Congratulations to a cohort of students who have persisted in the midst of such unprecedented disruptions in our lives. We welcome you into our community and look forward to learning alongside you," said Basili.

This year, more than 1,200 students from 332 community colleges applied to receive the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The JKCF evaluated each submission based on students' academic ability and achievement, financial need, persistence and leadership.

Lone Star College typically represents a large percentage of the state's JKC semi-finalists annually. See below for the complete list of 2022 JKC semi-finalists.

College	Semi-Finalist
LSC-CyFair	Fatima Shamim
LSC-CyFair	Ivey Knebel
LSC-CyFair	Marcelo Carrizales
LSC-CyFair	Vincenzo De Vita Sifontes
LSC-Kingwood	Angelica Bernal Penaloza
LSC-Kingwood	Lacy Butler
LSC-Kingwood	Xitlali Mujica
LSC-Montgomery	Marysa Barela
LSC-North Harris	April Aragon
LSC-North Harris	Shaith Amous
LSC-Tomball	Ana Munguia Ayarzagoitia
LSC-Tomball	Andrea Juarez Prado
LSC-Tomball	Madison Terry
LSC-Tomball	Manelle Mensah
LSC-Tomball	Nicolas Reyes
LSC-University Park	Alma Torres
LSC-University Park	Jason Pham
LSC-University Park	Kelsey Roberson
LSC-University Park	Muzil Ahmad