Phoenix, AZ (June 11, 2025) - Jesse Lopez Martin and Jennifer Alvarado, two students at °µTV, were named two of 90 high-achieving community college students selected to receive the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The highly competitive national scholarship aims for Cooke Scholars to complete their undergraduate educations with as little debt as possible. The award, which is last dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide Jesse and Jennifer with as much as $55,000 a year each to complete a bachelor’s degree.
“We are thrilled to celebrate both Jesse and Jennifer being selected for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship this year. To have not just one, but two of our students recognized at the national level for this scholarship is a proud moment for °µTV. Their achievements speak volumes about their character and hard work, as well as the support they received from faculty and staff advisors along their journey.” - Dr. Kimberly Britt, °µTV President
Jesse graduated from °µTV with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and plans to continue his education at Arizona State University (ASU) to achieve his dream of becoming a structural engineer.
“I’ve spent my life surrounded by uncertainty - but for the first time, thanks to the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, I finally feel sure of what lies ahead. It’s as if I’ve been running through a pitch-black tunnel for 22 years, and now, I can see the light. I’m ready to sprint toward it and claim the life I’ve always dreamed of - for myself, my family, and my community.” - Jesse Lopez Martin
Jennifer will be completing her senior year at Northern Arizona University (NAU) and earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Human Behavior. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and building a career in higher education administration.
“Being selected as a Cooke Scholar is an incredible honor that will help me continue working towards my goals. °µTV has played a key role in shaping my path, and this support brings me one step closer to earning an MBA and advancing the mission of higher education.” - Jennifer Alvarado
The 2025 cohort marks one of the largest in the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s 25-year history, reinforcing its continued commitment to creating debt-free pathways to higher education for high-achieving students with financial need.
“This year’s cohort reflects the remarkable talent and determination thriving in community colleges nationwide,” said Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, Executive Director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “As we mark 25 years of impact, we remain committed to amplifying the successes of these students and opening doors to the opportunities they deserve.”
While nearly 80% of community college students aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, only 16% reach that goal within six years. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, which makes this goal more attainable for selected students, provides last-dollar funding of up to $55,000 per year for up to three years and eases the financial burden of completing a four-year degree. Beyond funding, Scholars receive personalized advising to guide their academic and professional journeys. Scholars also gain access to a nationwide network of more than 3,400 Cooke Scholars and Alumni, along with opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school support – ensuring they have every tool needed to thrive beyond community college.
This year’s selection process drew more than 1,600 applications from community colleges across the nation. The 90 new Scholars were selected from a semifinalist pool of 467 students. Applicants were evaluated based on their academic achievement, unmet financial need, persistence, and leadership qualities.
A complete list of the 2025 Cooke Transfer Scholar finalists and their respective community colleges is available. To learn more about the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, visit the website.
About The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
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 almost $304 million in scholarships to more than 3,400 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive educational advising, career pathway counseling and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $136 million in grants to organizations that serve such students.
About °µTV
°µTV is the flagship of the Maricopa County Community College District, one of the largest community college districts in the nation. Established in 1920, °µTV offers academic courses leading to associate degrees, university transfers, certificates, and short-term job training. °µTV now offers two bachelor's degree programs to better serve the needs of the community and workforce.
Media Contact: Christy Flora, Manager of Public Relations and Marketing, christina.flora@phoenixcollege.edu / 602-285-7652 / phoenixcollege.edu