Scholarships Up to $55,000 a Year: How the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Supports Low-Income Students

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation provides scholarships of up to $55,000 per year for low-income students. These funds cover tuition, housing, learning materials, and other essential educational expenses. In addition, the program offers academic advising, access to internships, and opportunities for study abroad. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $304 million in scholarships to over 3,400 students across the United States.

What is the JKC Foundation?

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is a private charitable organization established in the USA in 2000 by the will of Jack Kent Cooke, a Canadian-American businessman and sports team owner. He believed strongly in the power of education and dedicated his life to supporting talented students facing financial difficulties.

Since its founding, the foundation has provided over $304 million in scholarships to more than 3,400 students ranging from 8th grade through graduate school, as well as $136 million in grants to organizations supporting such students.

Foundation scholarships: up to $55,000 per year

The foundation offers several types of scholarships:

• Cooke College Scholarship Program: Provides up to $55,000 per year for undergraduate students. This scholarship covers tuition, housing, books, and other required expenses. The program also includes academic advising, college selection assistance, access to internships, and opportunities for study abroad.
• Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship: Designed for community college students seeking to complete a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution. It also offers up to $55,000 per year covering the same expenses.
• Graduate Scholarship: Available to graduates who have received the Cooke College Scholarship or Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. It provides up to $50,000 per year for up to four years.

Program benefits

• Academic Advising: Individualized support in selecting institutions and planning academic paths.
• Access to Internships: Opportunities for professional growth and gaining practical experience.
• Study Abroad: Support in organizing study trips and exchange programs.
• Community Access: The program connects over 3,200 current students and alumni, opening doors for networking and career advancement.

Foundation achievements

Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $304 million in scholarships to over 3,400 students. The program supports students from 8th grade through graduate school, providing them with the necessary resources for successful education and personal development.

How to apply?

Applications for scholarships are accepted annually. To apply, candidates must:

• Complete the online application on the foundation’s official website.
• Provide academic recommendations from teachers and a school counselor.
• Submit official transcripts and test scores (if applicable).
• Provide information about the family’s financial situation.

Deadlines and detailed instructions are available on the foundation’s official website.

Instead of a conclusion — 5 interesting facts about Jack Kent Cooke

1. Career beginnings and business empire

Jack Kent Cooke began his career in retail by founding Jack Kent Cooke Enterprises. His business ventures included toy sales, confectionery, and... sports franchises. Cooke became known as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Canada and the United States, building one of North America’s largest confectionery businesses of his time — at its peak, valued at hundreds of millions of dollars.

2. Owner of sports teams

Cooke owned several professional sports teams: the NHL’s Washington Capitals, the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, and the football team Washington Redskins (now Washington Commanders). His passion for sports and business acumen made him a prominent figure not only in business but also in the sports industry.

3. Philanthropy and belief in education

Cooke was deeply convinced that education is a key factor in success. A university graduate himself, he supported expanding access to quality education for talented students regardless of their financial background. That is why he bequeathed the majority of his fortune to create a foundation supporting such students.

4. Personality and character

Despite his considerable wealth and public profile, Cooke was known for his modesty and desire to help others quietly. His personal credo — to give talented people the opportunity to realize their potential — is embodied in the work of the foundation.

5. Foundation creation and its impact

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation was established in 2000 according to Cooke’s will. Over more than 20 years, the foundation has awarded over $304 million in scholarships to nearly 3,500 students, supporting their education from 8th grade through graduate school. The foundation also provides grants to organizations that assist low-income students, thereby influencing the education of thousands of young people across the United States.