Hudson County Community College Students Advance as 2021 Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Semifinalists

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation recognizes exceptionally talented community college students seeking to complete baccalaureate degrees. This year’s 406 semifinalists were chosen from a pool of more than 1,500 applicants attending 398 community colleges throughout the United States. Recipients are selected based on their exceptional academic ability and achievement, financial need, leadership, persistence, and service.

“Everyone at Hudson County Community College joins me in congratulating Adoum, Gerardo, Pedro, and Sofia on this great achievement,” said HCCC President Dr. Chris Reber. “These extraordinary students have worked diligently and are most deserving of this major scholarship and recognition. They are an inspiration to our entire community.”

Nearly half of all postsecondary students begin their college journey at two-year institutions. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation research found that community college students who transfer to four-year institutions have equal to or higher graduation rates as compared to students who enrolled at these institutions directly from high school, or transferred from other four-year institutions. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship aims to increase the number of community college students completing their education at prestigious and high-performing four-year colleges and universities.

Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship recipients receive financial support for the full cost of attendance at four-year and graduate institutions, comprehensive educational advising, opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school funding, as well as access to a network of over 2,800 fellow Cooke scholars and alumni.

Proudly, two Hudson County Community College students were recipients of the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship in the past two years – Sarra Hayoune in 2019, and Abdella Amrhar in 2020. Nine HCCC students were named semifinalists since 2019.