SPSCC student named semifinalist for Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship 

Khanh Pham, a South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) student, was named a semifinalist for the highly competitive Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Transformative Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. 

The scholarship, according to a SPSCC’s annoucnemnt, aids community college students exhibiting exceptional academics and leadership to service transfer into top four-year institutions without student debt. 

“Our Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship represents a lifeline for exceptional community college students to actualize their academic dreams,” said Giuseppe Basili, Executive Director of the Cooke Foundation, in the announcement.

Only 467 semifinalists were selected from more than 1,600 applicants from 212 community colleges in 43 states. 

The announcement stated that the selection process assesses candidates on their exceptional academic ability and achievement, demonstrated financial need, perseverance,and leadership. 

“This year’s semifinalists exemplify the extraordinary talent found within community colleges across America, and we’re excited to congratulate this group as we celebrate a quarter century of work as a Foundation,” Basili said. 

The award is a last-dollar funding after all institutional aid and can provide as much as $55,000 annually for two to three years leading to a bachelor’s degree at any accredited four-year undergraduate institution in the country. 

“I'm incredibly grateful to be named a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation semifinalist. Since arriving in the U.S. in 2022, SPSCC has provided me with opportunities I never thought possible. Being recognized among so many talented students nationwide is humbling, and while this is just the semifinalist stage, it's encouraging to see my hard work acknowledged,” said Pham in the announcement.

Selected Cooke Transfer Scholars have the benefit of personalized educational advising from the Foundation’s Deans of Scholar Support, who can assist with the transition to a four-year institution and help prepare them for future careers.  

Scholars will also receive access to transformative opportunities, including internships, study abroad experiences and graduate school funding. 

The selected scholars will be added to the community of more than 3,400 fellow Cooke scholars and alumni who provide mentorship and networking connections. 

This year's Cooke Transfer Scholar semifinalists and their corresponding community colleges can be viewed online.  

The foundation will announce the 2025 scholarship recipients in May. To learn more about the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship,  click here.