April 11, 2018 – Santa Fe College alumnus Francisco Lourenco is one of 47 recipients of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This highly competitive national scholarship will provide Lourenco with up to $40,000 annually for a maximum of three years to complete their bachelor’s degree.
Lourenco earned his A.A. in the Spring of 2017 from Santa Fe College with a 4.0 GPA. Presently, he is working in a cancer research laboratory at the Harvard Medical School, where he was the only student admitted from a community college. He is currently undecided where he will enroll in the fall, but has applied to Harvard, Cornell and Boston University among other schools.
In addition to the monetary award, these new Cooke Transfer Scholars will receive comprehensive educational advising from foundation staff to guide them through the processes of transitioning to a four-year school and preparing for their careers. The foundation will additionally provide opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school funding, as well as connection to a thriving network of 2,300 fellow Cooke Scholars and alumni.
“Francisco unquestionably has exceptional promise that can be realized through education, but only because he has the means provided by this generous scholarship program,” said Santa Fe College President Jackson Sasser. “His courage, strong intellect, sense of purpose, and ability to inspire others, combined with his superb record at Santa Fe College qualify him for this great honor. He is a student bound for success, and one who would make you proud.”
Lourenco was one of nearly 2,500 students who applied for the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship this year. The foundation evaluated each submission based on academic ability, persistence, leadership, and service to others. The recipients selected have a median adjusted gross income of $5,000 and an average GPA of 3.92. Biological sciences, engineering, and computer/informational sciences are the most popular fields of study among the cohort.