by Talk Radio News Service
Amou Ajang had few choices, little money and high hopes, and now she has a chance to be a leader for her people.
“Destiny demands that you do better than your supposed best”
-Jack Kent Cooke
The 19-year-old South Sudanese refugee was attending Glendale Community College in Arizona, when she applied for one of the most competitive scholarships in the country. She ended up getting the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship and it has since changed her life.
“I can’t express my gratitude in words,” said Ajang, who fled South Sudan with her mother and three siblings in 1995. “Because of the Foundation I am now in a place to affect things I care about like poverty and women’s issues in South Sudan.”
Ajang was one of 450 Cooke scholars gathered at the National Conference Center in Northern Virginia earlier this month. The 12th Annual Jack Kent Cooke Scholars Weekend featured panels, speakers and events to help the scholars transition to life after school.
The theme of the weekend was summarized by keynote speaker Raul Magdaleno: “All you need is one yes,” he said. “You may not be able to change where you’ve been, but you can change where you’re going”
Ajang, now 22, is in her junior year studying international relations at Columbia University.
“My stresses as a student were immediately lifted when I was awarded the scholarship and I felt that I could pursue things I never imagined I would have the ability to pursue,” she said.
The Foundation was created in 2000 in memory of billionaire philanthropist Jack Kent Cooke. Since opening its doors, it has awarded more than $100 million in scholarships to over 1,900 students.
Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Programs
Young Scholars Program – Up to 60 young scholars receive educational advising and support from the eighth grade through high school.
College Scholarship Program - Up to 40 college scholars receive up to $30,000 a year for three years, plus college planning support.
Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship - Up to 75 undergrad transfer scholars receive up to $30,000 a year for three years to complete their degree.
Graduate Arts Award – Up to 20 scholars are given up to $50,000 per year to attend an accredited graduate institution for Master’s degrees in creative writing, visual arts and performing arts.
Dissertation Fellowship – Six doctoral scholars receive a one-time award of $25,000 to be spent within an 18-month period while they complete their dissertations.