Five Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College students have been selected as semifinalists for the Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Student Scholarship.  Fewer than 60 students across the U.S. are selected to receive the prestigious scholarship each year from nearly 3,000 students who apply.

MGCCC students, who make up five of the nine students from Mississippi selected as semifinalists, are Rebecca Davis, of Moss Point; Meghan Nguyen, of Ocean Springs; and Gloria Giddes, Bladimir Mendez and Nader Pahlevan, all of Biloxi.

Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholars will be selected from the semifinalists in April, based on their strong records of achievement as shown by grades, leadership skills, awards, service to others and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Scholarship recipients may be awarded up to $40,000 per year to attend a four-year accredited undergraduate school.  The highly selective scholarship for the nation’s top community college students is designed to assist students in completing their bachelor’s degrees at four-year colleges or universities. Each Cooke Scholar has access to generous financial support for two to three years, college planning support, ongoing advising and the opportunity to connect with the thriving community of fellow scholars.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, Cooke Scholars will also be eligible to apply for a scholarship for graduate school worth up to $50,000 a year for up to four years.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded $190 million in scholarships to nearly 2,500 students, along with comprehensive counseling and other support services. The Foundation has also provided more than $100 million in grants to organizations that serve students.