Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarships 2026–2027: Eligibility, Award Benefits, Application Deadlines, and How to Apply
Overview
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarships provide educational funding and academic support to exceptionally promising students who demonstrate strong academic potential and financial need. The foundation supports learners at different stages of their educational journeys through three main programmes: the Young Scholars Program, the College Scholarship Program, and the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Beyond financial assistance, the programmes offer academic advising, educational planning, and access to a supportive community of nearly 4,000 Cooke Scholars and alumni.
Who can apply
The programmes are designed for talented students whose financial circumstances may otherwise limit their access to high-quality education. The Young Scholars Program serves students entering the eighth grade and extends through high school. The College Scholarship Program is intended for high-achieving high school seniors planning to attend selective four-year colleges or universities. The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship targets high-achieving community college students who want to complete their bachelor's degrees at selective four-year universities.
What you get
Recipients receive financial support combined with educational guidance, college planning, and ongoing academic support. The College Scholarship Program and the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship both provide maximum awards of up to $55,000 per year, with the transfer scholarship offering funding for as many as three years as last-dollar funding after other institutional aid is considered. Scholars also gain access to a network of peers and graduates who share an interest in academic achievement and educational advancement.
Key dates
For the Young Scholars Program, the application period runs from February 4, 2027, to April 28, 2027. For the College Scholarship Program, applications are accepted from August 19, 2026, to November 11, 2026. For the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, the application period is from August 19, 2026, to December 9, 2026.