The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation recently announced the semifinalists for its highly selective Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, two of which are Long Beach City College students.

Samantha Oboro and Emily Thompson are among this year’s 456 semifinalists who were chosen from a pool of nearly 1,500 applicants attending 311 community colleges in 45 states and the District of Columbia.

Through this award, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation supports high-achieving community college students as they transfer to some of the best four-year institutions in the country to complete their bachelor’s degrees.

“Year after year, we are impressed by the incredible talent and resolve of community college students,” said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “We are proud to recognize this outstanding group of semifinalists for their academic achievement.”

The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship recipients will be announced in April. Selected scholars will receive financial support for up to three years, comprehensive educational advising, and the chance to connect with fellow Cooke Scholars.

Cooke Transfer Scholars are selected based on their exceptional academic ability and achievement, financial need, persistence, service to others, and leadership. Students must be currently enrolled in a community college or recent graduates residing in the United States.

Four LBCC students have captured the coveted award over the past decade, including Lara Meintjes who transferred to Williams College with a full scholarship last year.