Congratulations, Krishon Pinkins!
Krishon Pinkins, a student at Arrupe College, is one of 60 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 Krishon with as much as $55,000 a year to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Krishon is studying Social & Behavioral Sciences. He is an active leader on campus with involvement in Black Men for Success (BMS), a memeber of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, Co-President of Arrupe College’s Black Student Union, and President of Graphic Novel Club. In line with Krishon’s service to others, after Arrupe College he plans to enroll at a four-year institution where he wants to major in Computer Science, attend Law School and serve as governmental representative advocating for social justice.
This year’s competition saw nearly 1,600 applications from 194 community colleges in 37 states. Applicants were evaluated on their academic prowess, financial need, persistence, community service, and leadership qualities. Fellow Arrupe student, Elizabeth Onofre, was also recognized among 459 semifinalists. A complete list of the 2024 Cooke Transfer Scholars and their respective community colleges is available here.
“Krishon is such an asset to the Arrupe community, and it will be hard to let him go after graduation. He maintains such a positive outlook on life, despite all he carries on his plate," sain Mariaton Tate, assistant dean of student success. “Krishon displays the exact traits that we desire to see in all of our students, an excellent student in and outside of the classroom, always willing to give a helping hand, or find ways to build bridges across campus. The entire Arrupe community is proud of his accomplishments and awards, and we look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish beyond Arrupe,” she concluded.
According to Community College Research Center research, transfer pathways from community colleges are a significant contributor to enrollment and diversity at four-year institutions. However, a lack of scholarship opportunities for transfer students, as well as other obstacles like losing credits during the transfer process, continue to keep bachelor’s degree completion rates low.
“Community college students remain far too underrepresented at our nation’s top institutions, despite clear research demonstrating their success once they arrive. Our scholarship is one way we aim to ensure that high-achieving students have the opportunity to complete their degree where they want, regardless of their financial background,” said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Cooke Foundation.
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 3,100 Cooke Scholars and Alumni.