My Ly, a recent graduate of Montgomery County Community College, is one of 60 high-achieving community college students selected out of nearly 1,700 applicants to receive the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.

The highly competitive national scholarship aims for Cooke Scholars to complete their undergraduate educations with as little debt as possible. The award, which is last-dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide Ly with as much as $55,000 a year for up to three years to complete a bachelor’s degree.

“I have had the privilege of getting to know My during her time at Montco, and she is not only a scholar but a servant leader,” said Dr. Vicki Bastecki-Perez, MCCC President. “Her perseverance, intellect and leadership exemplify the culture of excellence and belonging that is fostered here by our dedicated faculty, administrators and staff. On behalf of the entire Montco family, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to her. We look forward to seeing My continue to excel and make a positive impact on the world.”

Ly was surprised and delighted to learn about the scholarship.

“Being a first-generation college student in engineering has not been an easy journey,” Ly said. “I'm so grateful for the generous support granted by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation – it still feels surreal to me that my dreams can come true! I aim to maximize this opportunity to become a stronger and wiser version of myself so that I can help others do the same with their hopes and dreams.”

Originally from southern Vietnam, Ly immigrated to the United States with her mom when she was only 8 years old. The Telford resident graduated from MCCC on May 16 with an associate degree in Mechanical Engineering, becoming the first in her family to earn her college degree. She participated in the College’s Honors Program and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. She also volunteered in the College’s Sustainability Lab and worked on Project Innova, a hydrogen-cell-powered urban concept vehicle.

Outside of her academic studies, Ly was actively involved on campus. Her commitment to civic engagement led her to serve as a student representative on the President’s Advisory Council for Equity & Social Justice, senator and vice president of the Student Government Association, president of the Rotaract Club and president of the Honors Club. She was inducted into Alpha Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for first-generation college students.

She also attended the Bucknell University Community College Scholarship summer program.

President Bastecki-Perez shared the scholarship news with My Ly during a special ceremony at the Blue Bell Campus that celebrated two interconnected events – the scholarship award and the unveiling of a newly renovated part-time faculty suite.

“We intentionally combined these events because the success of our students is the result of the dedication, hard work and expertise of our faculty members. Through our faculty’s unwavering commitment, they play a fundamental role in shaping and empowering our students to achieve their goals and reach their fullest potential,” Dr. Bastecki-Perez said before cutting the ribbon for the new faculty suite.

Following the support and guidance she received at MCCC, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship will play a pivotal role in enabling Ly to continue her education at Bucknell University.

According to Community College Research Center research, transfer pathways from community colleges are a significant contributor to enrollment and diversity at four-year institutions. However, a lack of scholarship opportunities for transfer students and other obstacles, like losing credits during the transfer process, continue to keep bachelor-degree completion rates low.

“Community college students remain far too underrepresented at our nation’s top institutions, despite clear research demonstrating their success once they arrive. Our scholarship is one way we aim to ensure that high-achieving students have the opportunity to complete their degree where they want, regardless of their financial background,” said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Cooke Foundation.

In addition to the financial support, Cooke Transfer Scholars receive comprehensive educational advising – guidance that is crucial for navigating their transition to four-year colleges and planning their career paths. Cooke Scholars also benefit from access to internship opportunities, study abroad and graduate school funding, as well as a dynamic network of over 3,300 Cooke Scholars and Alumni.

This year’s competition saw nearly 1,700 applications from over 380 community colleges. Applicants were evaluated on their academic prowess, financial need, persistence, community service, and leadership qualities. A complete list of the 2024 Cooke Transfer Scholars and their respective community colleges is available online.