Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program
Duke TIP joins the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation to administer the Young Scholars Program for exceptional students.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is a private, independent foundation, established by Jack Kent Cooke to help young people of exceptional promise reach their full potential through education. The foundation focuses in particular on individuals with financial need. Mr. Cooke built a media empire and became owner of the Chrysler Building in New York City, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Washington Redskins, and extensive fine art. Although he left high school during the Depression to work full-time to help support his family, he respected learning immensely and became well versed in fields ranging from music to politics to architecture. When he died, he left the bulk of his fortune to establish the Foundation.
Young Scholars Program
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program provides individualized educational services to a select group of high-achieving students with financial need. Beginning in their eighth-grade year, Young Scholars work closely with the Foundation's educational advisors to select and design academic services focused on their unique educational needs, special talents, and highest potential. The Foundation then provides financial support for these services beginning in the summer before ninth grade and, for students who continue to meet Foundation criteria, throughout high school.
For example, if accepted into the Young Scholars Programs, students may receive funding for summer programs to which they qualify, or for supplemental courses. These scholarship recipients will also receive help in finding the best high school environment; support to develop musical or artistic talents; or help in obtaining computer equipment. Students are expected to work closely with a Foundation educational advisor throughout their time as Young Scholars.
Selection Criteria
With the assistance of a panel of national experts, the Foundation selects Young Scholars from across the United States using these criteria:
- Academic ability and achievement,
- Unmet financial need,
- Motivation and will to succeed,
- Leadership and public service
- Critical thinking ability, and
- Appreciation for or participation in the arts and humanities.
The Foundation encourages those with learning differences to apply.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the 2008 competition is April 27, 2009.