LANSDOWNE, Va., April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation today announced that 60 high school seniors have been named the 2026 recipients of the prestigious Cooke College Scholarship.

The Cooke College Scholarship, a last-dollar award that supplements all institutional aid, provides recipients with up to $55,000 per year to pursue a bachelor's degree at any accredited undergraduate institution. The scholarship is designed to ensure that exceptional students with financial need can attend and graduate from college without excessive student debt.

"As we continue our mission to support talented students with financial need, we are proud to recognize this year's cohort of Cooke College Scholars," said Seppy Basili, Chief Executive Officer of the Cooke Foundation. "These students have demonstrated extraordinary academic achievement and leadership. We are excited to celebrate them as they move forward in pursuing their educational and professional ambitions."

The scholarship announcement comes as college applications are up across the country, according to Common App data, and the number of students who fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is on track to reach an all-time high.

In addition to substantial financial support, Cooke College Scholars receive comprehensive advising and enrichment opportunities throughout their college careers. Scholars benefit from personalized academic advising, career and graduate school guidance, internship and study abroad opportunities, and access to a vibrant network of fellow Scholars and Alumni. After completing their undergraduate degrees, Scholars are also eligible to apply for additional funding for graduate study.

The 2026 Cooke College Scholars represent students from across the United States, including 31 states and the District of Columbia.

Additionally, the Foundation would like to recognize 56 high school seniors who have participated in the Cooke Young Scholars program for the past five years and are now matriculating to the College Scholarship program. The full list of 2026 Cooke College Scholars, including their high schools and states, appears here.

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 over $332 million in scholarships to nearly 3,900 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive educational advising, career pathway counseling, and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $144 million in grants to organizations that serve such students. www.jkcf.org

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SOURCE Jack Kent Cooke Foundation