The JKC Scholarship – An Advocate Like No Other

by Tammie Stewart If you are the parent or teacher of an academically gifted child from a family experiencing financial need, I’d like to introduce you to the Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program (JKC). Every year, exceptional scholarships are given to more than 50 high-achieving students who will enter grade 8 in the next school year.  The application process takes time and thought, but for those awarded scholarships the benefits are truly life-changing. The JKC Young Scholars Program is one of the most comprehensive programs I have come across in my years of work in outreach. Students that earn JKC scholarships gain a personal advocate through high school, college and beyond.  Financial support ensures that recipients have the resources they need to pursue their passions, develop potential and take full advantage of learning opportunities.  Resources can include computers and software, tuition for summer, after school and online programs and more. Each student is assigned a JKC advisor who helps them chart a successful educational path that spans multiple years. JKC scholars come from every part of the country with backgrounds that reflect the diversity of our nation.  But they all share huge ability and thanks to the program, receive common access to opportunity. The Center for Talent Development supports JKC enthusiastically, affording me the privilege to help eligible young people apply.  The 2012 call for applications is currently underway with the April 16 deadline approaching quickly, there are no extensions. So, if you know of a high-achieving student who will enter grade 8 in the fall of 2012 and comes from a family with annual income under $80,000, they may qualify.  Applications are available at the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation website.  Feel free to contact me directly for guidance and additional information on the scholarship program, eligibility and the application process. Tammie Stewart is Community Outreach Manager at the Center for Talent Development. For additional counsel on the Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program, e-mail her at tammie-stewart@northwestern.edu or call 847/491-7127.