Closed
$40,000
60 Award Winners
Application Open Date
1/1/2025
Application Deadline
5/9/2025
Eligible Grades
7th Grade
Explore Similar Scholarships

Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program

Funded by
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Closed
$40,000
60 Award Winners
Scholarship Open Date
1/1/2025
Scholarship Close Date
5/9/2025
Eligible Grades
7th Grade
Explore Similar Scholarships

Before he acquired millions and owned iconic sports teams such as the Washington Redskins and L.A. Lakers, Canadian entrepreneur Jack Kent Cooke knew severe economic hardship. He was forced to leave high school to help his parents make ends meet during the Great Depression, and he always regretted being unable to attend college. But Jack Kent Cooke didn’t let that stand in the way of astounding success — and he strongly believed it shouldn’t hold anyone back from willing their dreams into reality.

In 2000, shortly after his death, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation was established to provide opportunities to promising but financially disadvantaged students much like himself. One of the Foundation’s scholarships — the Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program — seeks to award financial support, enrichment, and guidance to outstanding 7th graders throughout their entire high school career.

Students are given education support by being placed in schools designed to challenge them. They are given college support, mentored, and encouraged to participate in sports or extracurricular activities. They also participate in community service.

Scholarship Summary

Before he acquired millions and owned iconic sports teams such as the Washington Redskins and L.A. Lakers, Canadian entrepreneur Jack Kent Cooke knew severe economic hardship. He was forced to leave high school to help his parents make ends meet during the Great Depression, and he always regretted being unable to attend college. But Jack Kent Cooke didn’t let that stand in the way of astounding success — and he strongly believed it shouldn’t hold anyone back from willing their dreams into reality.

In 2000, shortly after his death, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation was established to provide opportunities to promising but financially disadvantaged students much like himself. One of the Foundation’s scholarships — the Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program — seeks to award financial support, enrichment, and guidance to outstanding 7th graders throughout their entire high school career.

Students are given education support by being placed in schools designed to challenge them. They are given college support, mentored, and encouraged to participate in sports or extracurricular activities. They also participate in community service.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Eligible Grade: 7th Grade
  • Maximum Age: Any
  • Required GPA: Any
  • Geographic Eligibility: United States
  • Gender: Any
  • Race/Ethnicity: Any

Key Information of Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program

Study Details

Area of Study

Health Care

Country of Study

United States

Specific Schools

Any

Application Requirements

Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.

  • Financial Information
  • Grade transcript
  • Recommendation letters
  • Short Answers
  • Essay

Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program Timeline

January 2025

Applications open

Applications open early in the year.

May 2025

Submission deadline

Applications and all supporting documents must be submitted.

September 2025

Winners notified

Winners will be notified by this date.

How to ace the Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program

1

Show, don't tell

Show — don't tell — your achievements and abilities. Rather than writing "I'm active in my church," tell a personal story that brings your church activity to life and makes the judges remember you long after they've read your essays.

2

Speak up in class

You'll need two teacher recommendations (one math and one English/language arts), so a glowing letter from Mom won't cut it. Don't be afraid to speak up in class — it'll help you cultivate a rapport with teachers who will be able to bring your abilities to life when the time comes.

3

Treat all activities as an opportunity to sell yourself

The selection committee places emphasis on initiative and involvement. Spend some time evaluating where you spend your time, and weave as many of those activities into your essays as possible. Are you involved in church? Do you take a leadership role in your family? Don't be afraid to brag a little.

4

Show commitment to improving

Applicants who show a commitment to improving themselves in any facet and who display a determination to overcome hardships will stand out.

How the Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program is Judged

Applicants are evaluated on a number of factors, namely high academic ability and achievement, demonstrated financial need, drive, and persistence, leadership, and service to others. Financial need is also considered as the scholarship program is designed to uplift and support students from low-income families.

Why We Love the Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program

1

It lasts for five years

While most scholarships provide you with a year's worth of financial assistance, the Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program has you covered for five years: from the summer before 9th grade through to your senior year.

2

You get more than just financial support

When you're an ambitious 7th grader with big dreams, it can be hard to know where to start on the path to making those dreams come true. This program takes care of it all, from your own educational advisor to summer enrichment programs, and career exploration to college advising. You can even get a computer!

3

Improves chances of getting into great college

78% of Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars attend a most competitive or highly selective college or university — proving that with the right support, anyone with talent and grit can go far.

5 Facts About Jack Kent Cooke

01.

He once sold soap and encyclopedias

His first job, at age 14, was selling encyclopedias door to door.

02.

He was born in 1912

Jack Kent Cooke was born on October 25 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

03.

The Foundation was established in 2000

When Jack Kent Cooke passed away in 1997, his one wish was to help students in financial need so the foundation was established.

04.

Eventually became a U.S. citizen

He became a citizen in 1960 after spending most of his life in Canada.

05.

He owned the Los Angeles Lakers

Jack Kent Cooke bought the Lakers in September 1965 for $5 million.