Out of more than 1,200 applicants, an Austin Community College District (ACC) student, Faizan Khan, was awarded the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Khan – an immigrant from Pakistan – graduated in May with an associate degree in Archaeology and plans to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s in Anthropology. 

“It is a true honor to receive this scholarship. College not only shapes the academic future but also helps in character- and personality-building. It opens doors you never knew even existed and broadens your horizon,” says Faizan. “For the students of ACC, I would like to say that help is available. You only need to extend your arm to get it.”

The highly competitive national scholarship provides transfer students with up to $55,000 a year to complete their bachelor’s degrees.

“Today, almost half of all college students begin their academic career at a community college. We know our community colleges are full of high-achieving students, and we’re committed to playing our part to ensure those students succeed,” said Seppy Basili, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation executive director. “Congratulations to a cohort of students who have persisted in the midst of such unprecedented disruptions in our lives.”

In addition to the financial support, as a Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, Khan also will receive comprehensive educational advice to guide them through the process of transitioning to a four-year college and preparing for their career, opportunities for an internship, access to study abroad programs, and graduate school funding.

Only 100 students nationwide were selected to receive the scholarship. The Foundation evaluated each submission based on students’ academic ability and achievement, financial need, persistence, and leadership.

A complete list of this year’s Cooke Transfer Scholar winners, their community colleges, and the states they represent is available here.