WKU News

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced the selection of 626 high school seniors as semifinalists for the distinguished Cooke College Scholarship Program, including Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science and Caverna High School senior Kenyan Wood. The Cooke College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. The highly selective scholarship provides up to $55,000 each year to cover the costs of college.

Wood was selected from a pool of over 5,600 applicants and his application will be reviewed for finalist selection. The 2023 Cooke College Scholarship recipients will be announced in March.

“Early data from the National College Attainment Network suggests that we’re finally seeing a post-pandemic uptick in the number of students with financial need who are considering higher education again,” said Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Executive Director Seppy Basili. “Each year, we meet some of the most inspiring students across the country. We’re excited to play a role in helping more students achieve their long-term academic goals.” 

“I’m thrilled Kenyan Wood has been recognized as a Cooke College Scholarship Program semifinalist. Our students are remarkable in so many ways, and it is exciting to have other organizations join us in helping them pursue their infinite possibilities. Kenyan is not only remarkable academically, but he is also an active, contributing member of our community,” said Dr. Lynette Breedlove, Gatton Academy Director.

At The Gatton Academy, Wood stands out as a senior leader, serving as a student ambassador for Gatton, and a volunteer with WKU’s Center for Gifted Studies Super Saturday programming. Wood is currently conducting research with Dr. Jacob Byl in WKU’s Department of Economics and plans to pursue chemical engineering upon graduation.

“I’d just like to thank the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation for selecting me as a semifinalist in this prestigious program. It means so much to me and I’m grateful for the opportunity to further my academic career,” said Wood. “I’d also like to thank the Gatton staff, especially Beth Hawke, for guiding me in the application process and providing me support along the way.”

Cooke College Scholars are selected based on exceptional academic ability and achievement, financial need, persistence, service to others, and leadership. Students must be current high school seniors residing in the United States. Scholarships are awarded without respect to religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, geographic region, race or ethnicity.

About The Gatton Academy: Established in 2007, The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s first residential two-year program for gifted and talented juniors and seniors. The Gatton Academy’s students enroll as juniors and are full-time WKU students pursuing their interests in advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Gatton Academy is a recipient of the 2022 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity Magazine and the Innovation Partnership Award from the National Consortium for Secondary STEM Schools.

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 almost $250 million in scholarships to nearly 3,200 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive educational advising and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $125 million in grants to organizations that serve such students.  Visit www.jkcf.org to learn more.