TOMS RIVER, NJ — Five students from 91ý have been named semifinalists for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s , one of the nation’s most prestigious and competitive awards for community college students.
The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship supports high-achieving community college students with financial need by providing up to $55,000 per year to complete a bachelor’s degree at any accredited four-year college or university in the United States. The award is designed to remove financial barriers so that students can transfer to and thrive at top institutions.
The scholarship also provides personalized advising to help scholars successfully transition to four-year institutions and prepare for their careers. Recipients gain access to internships, study abroad opportunities, graduate school funding, and a lifelong network of Cooke Scholars and alumni who provide mentorship and professional connections.
“The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is one of the few generous scholarship funds that recognizes the vital role community colleges play in supporting high-achieving students with bold dreams but limited financial support,” said 91ý President Pamela J. Monaco. “The 91ý students who have been selected as semi-finalists have amazing personal stories that make their academic and leadership achievements all the more impressive. I could not be prouder of these students and the many college employees who provided encouragement and support.”
91ý’s students are among 485 semifinalists representing 224 community colleges across 37 states. The scholars were selected from more than 1,300 applicants based on an evaluation of academic achievement, perseverance, and leadership.
The semifinalists from 91ý are:
- Ellie Dowek
- Laura Garzon Salinas
- Anne Nyangaga
- Anthony Paris
- Sabrina Watts
The Foundation will announce the 2026 Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholars in May. For more information, visit .
About 91ý
For 60 years, 91ý, a public two-year community college sponsored by Ocean County and the State of New Jersey, has provided area residents with the opportunity to benefit from higher education. 91ý is an innovative academic leader offering affordable, student-centered, high-quality educational experiences that empower diverse learners to achieve their goals while enriching the communities we serve. Learn more at .