Skyler Umney, who recently graduated, is one of 90 students nationwide to receive the transfer scholarship.
Skyler Umney, a student at Schoolcraft College, is one of 90 high-achieving community college students selected to receive the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The highly competitive national scholarship aims for Cooke Scholars to complete their undergraduate education with as little debt as possible. The award, which is last dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide Umney with as much as $55,000 a year to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Umney recently graduated with an Associate in Science and was accepted at the University of Michigan, where he plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology. Skylar is a first-generation student and chose Schoolcraft College to begin his studies. While at Schoolcraft, Umney was involved with several organizations, including the Schoolcraft Scholars Honors Program and the LSA Transfer Bridges program.
He is the first Schoolcraft College student to receive the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship since 2017.
“This is an incredible award and we’re so proud of Skyler for his accomplishments,” said Dr. Laurie Kattuah-Snyder, Chief Student Services Officer and Faculty Representative for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation at Schoolcraft College. “He has worked incredibly hard and we’re honored the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has recognized him for all his achievements.”
While nearly 80% of community college students aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, only 16% reach that goal within six years. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, which makes this goal more attainable for selected students, provides last-dollar funding of up to $55,000 per year for up to three years and eases the financial burden of completing a four-year degree. Beyond funding, Scholars receive personalized advising to guide their academic and professional journeys. Scholars also gain access to a nationwide network of more than 3,400 Cooke Scholars and Alumni, along with opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school support – ensuring they have every tool needed to thrive beyond community college.The 2025 cohort marks one of the largest in the Foundation’s 25-year history, reinforcing its continued commitment to creating debt-free pathways to higher education for high-achieving students with financial need.
“This year’s cohort reflects the remarkable talent and determination thriving in community colleges nationwide,” said Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, Executive Director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “As we mark 25 years of impact, we remain committed to amplifying the successes of these students and opening doors to the opportunities they deserve.”
This year’s selection process drew more than 1,600 applications from community colleges across the nation. The 90 new Scholars were selected from a semifinalist pool of 467 students. Applicants were evaluated based on their academic achievement, unmet financial need, persistence, and leadership qualities.
