Collin College Student Jersey Johnson Named Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Recipient

Collin College student Jersey Johnson of McKinney has been named a recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The highly competitive award allows exceptional community college students to complete their bachelor’s degrees at four-year institutions with minimal financial burden.

Johnson learned about the scholarship through Collin College’s Phi Theta Kappa Chapter, Alpha Mu Tau. She said the chapter has been incredibly helpful in guiding her to resources and scholarships to support her college education.

“This scholarship means a lot to me,” Johnson said. “I know this is an incredibly selective scholarship, and I am so grateful to be a recipient. My education means a lot to me and knowing that I can continue learning without the burden of financial concerns will allow me to focus on my studies and using my education to help others.”

Johnson’s achievement highlights a national challenge. While research shows strong success rates for transfer students, other obstacles such as a lack of scholarships can hinder bachelor’s degree completion.

“Community college students remain far too underrepresented at our nation’s top institutions, despite clear research demonstrating their success once they arrive,” said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Cooke Foundation. “Our scholarship is one way we aim to ensure that high-achieving students have the opportunity to complete their degree where they want, regardless of their financial background.”

The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides last-dollar funding, covering up to $55,000 per year after all other financial aid is applied. Beyond financial support, scholars receive comprehensive academic advising, internship opportunities, study abroad possibilities, graduate school funding, and access to a network of over 3,000 fellow Cooke scholars and alumni.

Johnson said she was thankful for her professors and resources at Collin for their support during her application process.

“I would like to thank Professor Connie Chan and Dr. Brian Blanchard, professors here at Collin, as well as Brandy Merrell, a Phi Theta Kappa alum, who helped me greatly in my scholarship application process. I couldn't have done it without their support! I'd also like to thank the Alpha Mu Tau chapter at Collin for informing me about this scholarship and encouraging me to apply. Also, I'd like to thank my mom because she's the best!”

This year, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation received nearly 1,700 applications from over 380 community colleges nationwide. Selection is based on academic achievement, financial need, and leadership qualities.

Collin College serves more than 58,000 credit and continuing education students annually and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity, a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Construction Management, and a new Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Clinical Operations Management. The only public college based in Collin County, Collin College is a partner to business, government, and industry, providing customized training and workforce development. For more information, visit www.collin.edu.