Deadline: 30 April 2025
The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for exceptionally promising 7th grade students with financial need.
Educational Advisers help Cooke Young Scholars maximize the high school experience and prepare to thrive at the nation’s top-performing colleges. Their programming and support includes:
- Identifying an appropriately rigorous high school.
- Engaging in four-year planning and goal-setting.
- Funding for academic and extracurricular opportunities, such as music and art lessons; supplemental academic classes; and technology.
- Annual summer programs, including two required Cooke Young Scholar events.
- Year-round interaction and networking with a community of high-achieving peers.
Benefits
- The Young Scholars Program provides educational and college advising as well as financial support for academic and extracurricular enrichment from 8th grade through high school. Beginning in 8th grade, Cooke Young Scholars:
- Participate in high-quality academic and extracurricular opportunities in their local community, on college campuses, and around the globe.
- Develop the knowledge, talents, and leadership skills to be significant contributors.
- Set and reach academic and talent goals that will prepare them to be competitive, well-informed applicants for the nation’s best colleges and universities.
- Each receives a unique combination of opportunities that may include:
- Guidance in selecting a high school and, if necessary, support in applying to a private or magnet high school.
- Summer academic or enrichment programs.
- Computers, software, or other learning technology.
- Specialized support in music, art, science, math, or other subjects.
- Connection with a nationwide community of Cooke Young Scholars.
- Resources for career exploration and mentoring.
- College counseling.
Eligibility Criteria
- To be considered for the Young Scholars Program, the applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Grade level: Currently in 7th grade and/or entering 8th grade in the fall of 2025.
- Academics: Since the beginning of the 6th grade, have earned grades of all or mostly As, with no Cs or below in core academic subjects (English/language arts, math, science, social studies/history).
- Financial Need: Demonstrate unmet financial need. Applicants with a family adjusted gross income (AGI) up to $95,000 are eligible to apply. During the selection process, the Foundation will conduct a full financial review which will take into account all income and assets of the student and the student’s parents.
- Location: Currently attending middle school in the U.S. and planning to attend high school in the U.S.
For more information, visit Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.
