The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation recently announced that 568 talented high school seniors, and just 8 from Arkansas, have been named semifinalists for its highly selective Cooke College Scholarship Program. Among them was Grace Easterling, a senior at the Hope Collegiate Academy.

“Each of these semifinalists has demonstrated extraordinary academic achievement,” said Natalie Rodriguez Jansorn, Vice President of Scholarship Programs at the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “We are continually inspired by the ambition and talents of the many students who apply for the Foundation’s college scholarship, and we are so pleased to recognize them as they prepare to take the next big step in their education.”

This year, over 6,000 students applied from more than 4,100 high schools across all 50 states, as well as Washington, DC, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.

“We are incredibly proud of Grace and her accomplishments,” said Dr. Mikki Curtis, UAHT Dean of Secondary Programs. “Her recognition as a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation semifinalist reflects her hard work and the high level of academic preparation and dedication that UAHT and HPSD strive to provide every student in our collegiate academy.”

The Cooke College Scholarship provides high-achieving, talented students with the opportunity to graduate with as little debt as possible. The award, which is last-dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide up to $55,000 per year to pursue a bachelor’s degree at any accredited undergraduate institution. In addition to the scholarship, Cooke Scholars receive college planning support, ongoing advising, and the opportunity to network with the larger Cooke community.

“On behalf of Hope High School, I want to congratulate Grace for being a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation scholarship,” said Hope Collegiate Academy Director Heather Flowers. “Grace has attended HPSD since first grade, and she has attended Hope Collegiate Academy since tenth grade. She is living proof of what we know to be true about the Hope Collegiate Academy. When students are given the opportunity to reach incredible academic achievement, they rise to the occasion and become equipped and propelled toward brighter futures. Your schools are proud of you, Grace, and we will be cheering you on to the finish line!”

Cooke College Scholars are selected based on exceptional academic ability and achievement, persistence, leadership, and service to others. Applicants must be current high school seniors and demonstrate financial need.

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.

About the Hope Collegiate Academy
The Hope Collegiate Academy is a partnership between the Hope Public School District and the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana. The academy provides students with a three-year curriculum that allows them the opportunity to complete a high school diploma and an associate degree simultaneously. HCA students save an average of $20,394 compared to the first two years at an Arkansas public four-year university. For more information, call 870-722-8133, email mikki.curtis@uaht.edu, or visit https://www.uaht.edu/academics/hope-collegiate-academy.php.