Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program

Awarded By:

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

Number of Awards & Eligibility: Up to 60 students are selected to participate in the Young Scholars Program each year.

Description: The Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars program is available to students currently enrolled in 7th grade. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement, motivation, and financial need. Selected scholars will devise an Individual Learning Plan and work with Foundation advisors to advance their education beyond the typical high school experience.

Application requirements for the Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program are:

• Application form
• Recommendation letter
• Financial information forms

Additional Information: Students participating in the Young Scholars Program and their families will be expected to communicate at least once every two weeks and work closely with their designated Foundation educational adviser to develop and follow a student's annual Individual Learning Plans (ILP). Each plan offers an overview of the educational opportunities, support, and resources each Young Scholar will receive throughout the year, identifies needed resource materials and equipment, and sets timelines. The Foundation’s educational advisers write and monitor each Scholar's ILP, and maintain contact with service providers, vendors, and parent(s) or guardian(s). While Young Scholars are selected in the 8th grade, funding for services does not begin until the summer before 9th grade. The Foundation tailors opportunities to each student's unique needs and community resources, working with the Scholar and family each spring to develop a plan for the upcoming school year. Beginning in 9th grade, students may use the scholarship to attend academic summer, after-school, or weekend programs; participate in distance learning or college courses; and take performing or fine arts lessons. The Foundation may also fund the purchase of resources such as books, computers, supplemental educational tools, or computer software. For some Young Scholars, the awards fund a contribution to high school or special-program tuition.

Award Amount: The scholarship may be used to fund: summer, after-school, or weekend programs; distance learning or college courses; performing or fine arts lessons. The Foundation may also fund the purchase of resources such as books, computers, or software. Students who maintain excellent academic performance, conduct, and motivation may remain in the program throughout high school.  The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $8,000.