MONTEREY PARK — An East Los Angeles College student has been named a 2025 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholar. Biology major Prisma Santiago is one of only 90 recipients selected nationwide from a competitive pool of more than 1,600 applicants, and the sole recipient from ELAC this year.
The Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides up to $55,000 per year for up to three years to complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year undergraduate institution in the United States. The scholarship serves as last-dollar funding after all institutional aid, significantly easing the financial burden of completing a bachelor’s degree.
“We are immensely proud of Prisma’s achievement in earning this prestigious national scholarship,” said Monte E. Perez, interim president of East Los Angeles College. “Her selection as a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar is a testament to her academic excellence, leadership abilities, and dedication to her educational journey. Prisma represents the exceptional talent and determination present throughout our student body.”
Santiago, an active participant in both the college’s Honors Program and Extended Opportunity Programs and Services, also serves as vice president of the Chicanos for Community Medicine club. The Honors Program at ELAC offers priority consideration for admission to universities including UCLA, UC Riverside, UC Irvine and several other notable institutions.
“This scholarship represents a life-changing opportunity that will help me pursue my academic dreams without the burden of financial stress,” Santiago said. “I’m grateful to my professors, counselors and the supportive community at ELAC who have guided me on this journey.”
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 makes the goal more attainable by providing substantial financial support and comprehensive services.
Beyond funding, scholars receive personalized educational advising from the foundation’s Deans of Scholar Support, who guide them through the transition to a four-year institution and help prepare them for future careers.
The scholarship represents a lifeline for exceptional community college students to actualize their academic dreams, said Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, executive director of the Cooke Foundation. “This year’s finalists exemplify the extraordinary talent found within community colleges across America.”
The 90 new scholars were selected from a semifinalist pool of 467 students from 212 community colleges across 43 states. Applicants were evaluated based on their academic achievement, unmet financial need, persistence and leadership qualities.
Santiago will join more than 3,400 fellow Cooke Scholars and alumni who provide mentorship and networking connections throughout their academic and professional lives. Scholars also gain access to transformative opportunities including internships, study abroad experiences, and graduate school funding.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Jack Kent Cooke was a Canadian who began his career in the media. He eventually became a partner in a network of radio stations and newspapers before branching into professional sports ownership.
At one time he owned both the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Kings in addition to the Washington Redskins in the NFL.
Since 2000, his foundation has awarded almost $304 million in scholarships to more than 3,400 students from eighth grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive educational advising, career pathway counseling and other support services.
The foundation has also provided $136 million in grants to organizations that serve such students.
