National Fellowships

Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Scholarship
Official site: http://www.jackkentcookefoundation.org

The Foundation awards up to 35 graduate scholarships annually to outstanding students from across the nation. Students must be nominated by their institutions. U.S. universities may nominate up to two seniors or alumni who have graduated within the last five years for the competition. The awards provide funding for tuition, room and board, required fees, and books.

Scholarship length and amounts will vary for each recipient based on several factors, including costs at the institution he or she attends and the degree sought; awards cannot exceed $50,000 annually or six years. Scholars may use the award to attend any accredited graduate school in the U.S. or abroad to pursue any graduate degree or any professional degree, including medicine, law, or business. The Willamette deadline to apply for nomination is usually mid-February.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is it?

For the Graduate Scholarship, the JKC Foundation seeks to identify students who:

excel academically
have demonstrated leadership
are active in their community
have significant unmet financial need

The scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, books and other required fees. The amount and duration of the award varies by student, based on the total cost of attendance, other scholarships or grants received, and the length of degree program. The maximum amount of the award is $50,000 per year, for 6 years. Scholars may pursue any graduate or professional degree at any accredited college or university.

Who can apply?

Current Willamette seniors and recent alumni. Alumni who are currently enrolled in a graduate program or who already have a graduate degree are not eligible.

What are my chances?

Willamette may nominate no more than two seniors or alums for the JKC Graduate Scholarship. Approximately 1000 nominees will contend for thirty-five scholarships.

How do I apply?

Applications are available at http://www.jackkentcookefoundation.org/jkcf_web/content_preview.aspx?page=GrAppMat. For the campus nomination submit only the following:

Nominee Information and Application Form
Financial Information Forms
Transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended (copies are OK)
List of graduate institutions applied to; any acceptances received; details of financial award, if any
Names and campus phone numbers of two Willamette faculty who will be writing letters of recommendation for you (the committee does not require letters for the campus nomination).
Resume or list of honors and activities