My Ly, a recent graduate of Montgomery County Community College, is one of 60 high-achieving community college students selected out of nearly 1,700 applicants to receive the prestigious 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 Ly with as much as $55,000 a year for up to three years to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Originally from southern Vietnam, Ly immigrated to the United States with her mom when she was only 8 years old. The Telford resident graduated from MCCC on May 16 with an associate degree in Mechanical Engineering, becoming the first in her family to earn her college degree. She participated in the College’s Honors Program and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges.
Outside of her academic studies, Ly was actively involved on campus. Her commitment to civic engagement led her to serve as a student representative on the President’s Advisory Council for Equity & Social Justice, senator and vice president of the Student Government Association, president of the Rotaract Club and president of the Honors Club. She also volunteered in the college’s Sustainability Lab.
Following the support and guidance she received at MCCC, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship will play a pivotal role in enabling Ly to continue her education at Bucknell University.
In addition to the financial support, Cooke Transfer Scholars receive comprehensive educational advising – guidance that is crucial for navigating their transition to four-year colleges and planning their career paths.
Cooke Scholars also benefit from access to internship opportunities, study abroad and graduate school funding, as well as a dynamic network of over 3,300 Cooke Scholars and Alumni.
This year’s competition saw nearly 1,700 applications from over 380 community colleges. Applicants were evaluated on their academic prowess, financial need, persistence, community service, and leadership qualities.
Read more about My Ly and the Cook Transfer Scholars program on the Jack Kent Cook Foundation’s website.
Montgomery County Community College
