ANNANDALE, Va. (March 6, 2025) -- The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation (JKC) has announced its 2025 semifinalists for the prestigious Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Fifteen students are from Virginia — including nine from NOVA!
- This year, 467 semifinalists were chosen from over 1,600 applicants representing 212 community colleges.
- The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship selection process rigorously evaluates candidates based on:
- Exceptional academic abilities and achievements
- Demonstrated financial need
- Perseverance and leadership skills
NOVA takes pride in all our Nighthawks! We are especially delighted to congratulate our nine semifinalists for the 2025 JKC Foundation:
Malak Abdelaziz – Northern Virginia Community College
Najem Deban Abou Jaoude – Northern Virginia Community College
Adriana Garcia – Northern Virginia Community College
Osman Khalid – Northern Virginia Community College
Ghezal Kohestani – Northern Virginia Community College
Erick Machado – Northern Virginia Community College
Angel Pino Chacon – Northern Virginia Community College
Siddartha Shakya – Northern Virginia Community College
Madeleine Zatzkin – Northern Virginia Community College
In May, the JKC Foundation is expected to name the finalists.
• The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is a highly selective national award for top community college students transferring to four-year institutions.
• The goal is to help students complete their undergraduate degree with minimal debt by offering up to $55,000 per year in last-dollar funding after institutional aid.
• In addition to financial support, scholars receive college planning, advising, and access to a network of fellow scholars.
JKC 2025 full press release: In its 25th year, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Names 467 Semifinalists for Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
MEDIA CONTACT: Kathy Parkinson, NOVA PIO, KParkinson@nvcc.edu
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About Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
Northern Virginia Community College is the largest institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of America's largest community colleges. NOVA enrolls more than 70,000 students at its six campuses in Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Springfield and Woodbridge, and through NOVA Online. For more information about NOVA and its programs or services, call 703-323-3000 or visit NOVA’s website.