Lone Star College-North Harris student Raabia Badat was recently named a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholar.
Badat graduated third in her class from Aldine Independent School District’s Eisenhower High School, and like many college seniors, had a big decision to make when it came to selecting a college to attend. After a meeting at her high school, she learned about Lone Star College-North Harris.
“I was recruited by LSC-North Harris Lead Honors Director Brian Kyser when he visited my high school,” said Badat. “After talking with him, I soon discovered all the opportunities that LSC-North Harris could offer.”
Among those findings was the Honors College, a program that offers high-achieving students challenging coursework and international travel opportunities. As she looked more into the program, she found a scholarship, the Chancellor’s Fellows Scholarship, which would essentially pay for the first two years of school–including tuition and fees, a book allowance and an allowance to pursue a course of study culminating in an Honors AA or AS degree.
Badat applied for the scholarship, and was later selected as a Chancellor’s Fellow Scholarship recipient.
“I made the decision to attend LSC-North Harris when I realized the opportunities that I had to conduct in-depth research, gain a better understanding of the world through the travel opportunities, and to be a part of the Honors College and LSC family,” said Badat.
Badat was one of only 55 students chosen from the nearly 3,000 applicants from community colleges all over the country to receive the 2017 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship honors excellence by supporting outstanding community college students with financial need to transfer to and complete their bachelor’s degrees at the nation’s top four-year colleges and universities.
The Foundation provides up to $40,000 per year to each of the students selected annually, making it the largest private scholarship for two-year and community college transfer students in the country.
Each award covers student’s educational expenses – including tuition, living expenses and books– for the final two to three years necessary to achieve a bachelor’s degree. The scholarship funds the costs of attending college not covered by other financial aid, provides academic advising, stipends for internships and study abroad. Students also have the opportunity to network with other Cooke Scholars and alumni.
“After receiving the phone call, I realized how much closer my dreams were within reach! I am extremely thankful to all my instructors, peers and family who believed in me, and I am thankful for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation for helping me continuing my academic success by removing financial barriers. I was worried that I would not be able to attend the four-year college of my choice because of the expensive tuition, but the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is making it possible!” added Badat.
After her own positive and life changing experiences at Lone Star College, Badat stands as an advocate for those who might question the quality education that a community college can provide for them.
“I understand that there is a stigma associated with community colleges, but I try persuading students that I meet to consider Lone Star College as an option, because there are several opportunities available for undergraduate students that they might not be aware of,” said Badat. “I always use my travel experiences as an example. Through the Honors College, I was able to visit China through the China-U.S. Exchange Foundation, the United Nations Headquarters in New York City with my participation in the National Model United Nations Conference, and Italy through the Honors Capstone trip.”
Badat currently holds a 4.0 GPA, and has played an active role in Student Life at LSC-North Harris. Throughout her time at the college, she has been a member of the Honors College Student Organization, serving as an Emissary, Student Government Liaison, Vice President of Public Relations, and now an Honors Ambassador and Mentor. She is also involved with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Archery Stars, and the International Student Alliance Club. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting, Badat has plans to pursue a Masters in International Development, where she hopes to one-day work for the government or a nonprofit organization.
ABOUT THE JACK KENT COOKE FOUNDATION
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. By offering the largest scholarships in the country, in-depth academic counseling and other direct services, the Foundation seeks to help high-performing, low-income students to develop their talents and excel educationally. In addition to providing students both counseling and financial support from middle school to graduate school, the Foundation also provides grants for noteworthy and innovative initiatives that support high performing, low-income students.
ABOUT LONE STAR COLLEGE
Lone Star College-North Harris is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, one-half mile south of FM 1960 East, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. For more information about the college, call 281.618.5400 or visit LoneStar.edu/NorthHarris.
Lone Star College offers high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education to 95,000 students each semester. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area with an annual economic impact of $3.1 billion. LSC consists of six colleges, eight centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
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