Two Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College students have been named semifinalists for the highly competitive 2026 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced 485 semifinalists in March for its Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, selecting students from a pool of more than 1,300 applicants representing 224 community colleges across 37 states. Semifinalists are chosen based on academic achievement, leadership, service, and perseverance.

Katie Carter, a sophomore from Vancleave attending the college’s Jackson County Campus, and Amanda Gonzales Ponce of Picayune, a student at the Perkinston Campus, were both selected as semifinalists for this national honor. Carter has also been recognized as a Hites Scholar through Phi Theta Kappa, placing her among the top community college students in the nation.

Carter is majoring in Social Work and plans to transfer to The University of Southern Mississippi’s Hattiesburg Campus after graduating from MGCCC. There, she will pursue a Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in art, followed by a master’s degree and a postgraduate certificate in play or art therapy to support children, particularly those who have experienced trauma.

An active student leader, Carter serves as an officer in Phi Theta Kappa, a Student Government representative, and a member of the Campus Activities Board.  She spoke about her time at MGCCC.

“My experience at MGCCC has not only been life-changing but life-affirming,” Carter said. “The support and encouragement I have received from faculty and staff helped restore my sense of hope and gave me the confidence to pursue my goals.”

Gonzales Ponce, an Engineering major, plans to transfer to Mississippi State University to continue her studies in Starkville. She intends to join the university’s Honors College and become involved in organizations that will enhance her leadership, research, and internship opportunities.

At MGCCC, Gonzales Ponce serves as Vice President of Leadership for Phi Theta Kappa and is a member of the Honors College. She has also been nominated for the Presidential Transfer Scholarship at Mississippi State University.

“The PTK organization at MGCCC and the terrific mentors I have found here have meant so much to me and have made a profound difference in helping me continue my education,” she said. “I look forward to what lies ahead.”

The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides recipients with up to $55,000 per year for two to three years to complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year college or university. In addition to financial support, scholars receive personalized advising, access to internships and study abroad opportunities, graduate school funding, and membership in a network of more than 3,800 Cooke Scholars and alumni.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is expected to announce the 2026 scholarship recipients in May.