Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College graduate Katie Carter has been named a 2026 recipient of the prestigious Jack KentCooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, one of the nation’s most competitive and generous scholarships for community college students.

Carter, a recent graduate from Vancleave who earned her degree from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College on May 13, is one of only 60 students selected nationwide and one of just two students from Mississippi to receive the honor this year.

The scholarship provides recipients with up to $55,000 per year to complete a bachelor’s degree at any accredited four-year institution. In addition to financial support, scholars receive personalized advising, opportunities for internships and study abroad, graduate school support, and access to a nationwide network of more than 3,900 Cooke Scholars and alumni.

This year’s selection process drew more than 1,300 applications from community colleges across the country. The 60 recipients were selected from a semifinalist pool of 485 students based on academic achievement, perseverance, and leadership.

For Carter, the recognition represents far more than academic success.

“My experience at MGCCC has not only been life-changing but life-affirming,” Carter said. “I have not had an easy or conventional path to follow leading up to my time here as a nontraditional student, but the moment I hit submit on my paperwork to enroll, it was like everything started to fall into place.”

Carter said returning to college came at a pivotal moment in her life.

“When I came to MGCCC, this was basically what I considered my last option to turn things around,” she said. “I didn’t even know what to do to improve my life or if it could even be achieved. Within months, the compelling nature of everyone involved here revitalized a part of me I had let fall long dormant: hope.”

She credits the encouragement she received from faculty, staff and fellow students for helping her rediscover confidence in herself and her future.

“The advisors, administrators, instructors and honestly every single person affiliated with the Jackson County Campus have been so kind and supportive,” Carter said. “Everyone involved genuinely wants to see students succeed. They are determined and resourceful, but most importantly, kind and empathetic.”

Carter is majoring in Social Work and plans to transfer to The University of Southern Mississippi to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in art before continuing toward a master’s degree and postgraduate certification in play or art therapy. Her goal is to work with children, particularly those who have experienced trauma.

In addition to being named a Cooke Scholar, Carter was also recognized nationally this year as a Hites Scholar through Phi Theta Kappa, placing her among the top community college students in the country.

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

“Being named both a Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholar and a Hites Scholar has transformed the hope I found at MGCCC into faith,” Carter said. “These opportunities have shown me that I not only can succeed, but that I will succeed. The support I have received through MGCCC, Phi Theta Kappa, and these scholarships has completely changed the direction of my life and my future.”