SUNY WCC Student From New Rochelle Named Jack Kent Cooke Scholar

VALHALLA, NY — A remarkable Westchester Community College student has earned a historic achievement and she's just getting started.

Carolina Mendoza, of New Rochelle, became the 14th student in SUNY Westchester Community College history to win the highly competitive Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This scholarship provides 60 selected students across the U.S. with up to $55,000 a year to complete their bachelor’s degrees.

Mendoza chose SUNY WCC for its lowest-in-the-county tuition and for its Honors College, which provides guaranteed tuition coverage and substantial textbook stipends from the WCC Foundation. Honors College scholars have access to specialized co-curricular programming, including study abroad and internship opportunities. Mendoza majored in Liberal Arts Honors Concentration with the intent to study architecture so she can produce sustainable homes in low-income areas.

"The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation scholarship is truly life changing," Mendoza said. "This scholarship will help me achieve the dreams I thought were impossible: I can continue my education of becoming a sustainable architect which I’m incredibly grateful for. SUNY Westchester Community College has provided me opportunities and support that have transformed me into the person I am today. I will never forget this generosity."

In addition to financial support, Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholars will receive comprehensive educational advising to guide them through the process of transitioning to a four-year college and preparing for their careers. Scholars will also receive opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school funding, as well as connection to a large network of Cooke scholars and alumni.

"The entire SUNY Westchester Community College community is very proud of Carolina’s accomplishments," WCC President Belinda Miles said. "Carolina fully embraced the SUNY WCC experience, participating in extracurricular activities, taking advantage of all that our Honors College has to offer, and excelling in her studies. In her time at SUNY WCC, Carolina exhibited the dedication and perseverance that is the hallmark of so many of our students, and it is fitting that she has been rewarded with this esteemed honor. We are excited to see her join the distinguished list of WCC alums to achieve this highly competitive award. We look forward to the wonderful achievements she is sure to accomplish in the years ahead."

Currently, nearly half of students pursuing college choose to attend two-year institutions. Research commissioned by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation found that community college students who transfer to selective institutions have equal to or higher graduation rates as students who enrolled directly from high school or transferred from four-year institutions. However, at the country’s top colleges, only five percent have transferred from a community college. The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship aims to increase the number of community college students completing their education at top four-year institutions.