North Lake College (NLC) student Ojaswee Giri was recently named a recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, worth up to $40,000 a year to complete a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university.

Ojaswee is amongst 75 community college students from a competitive nationwide pool who were awarded. The Cooke scholarship is the largest private scholarship that funds students who have strong records of academic achievement shown by grades, leadership skills, awards, outstanding service to others and perseverance in the face of adversity.

“Undoubtedly, this scholarship is very important to me,” stated Ojaswee. “I never thought I could be one of the 75 students in the nation to receive such a prestigious award.”

Students like Ojaswee have proven repeatedly that top community college students have the ability to thrive in top four-year colleges. They deserve equal educational opportunities as much as any other student.

Yolanda Romero, Professor of History and Phi Theta Kappa Advisor Emeritus, described Ojaswee as “an extraordinary young woman who has beaten the odds and persevered to achieve success.” She added, “She embodies everything the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation embraces: scholarship, servant leadership and tenacity.”

In addition to the financial award, the scholarship includes academic advising, stipends for internships, study abroad, opportunities to network with other Cooke Scholars and alumni, and the eligibility to apply for a scholarship to graduate school for up to $50,000 a year for up to four years.

The scholarship has opened doors of opportunity for North Lake’s Nepal native. “I can pursue my bachelor’s degree at the university of my choice without any financial stress.” With the support of the scholarship, Ojaswee will continue her education at Southern Methodist University (SMU) this fall.