2019 Scholars Weekend and Alumni Summit
The 2019 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholars Weekend and Alumni Summit will be held from August 1-4, 2019 at the National Conference Center (NCC) in Leesburg, VA. The Cooke Foundation’s staff and board members are looking forward to meeting you during Scholars Weekend and the Alumni Summit. Check-in and registration for early arrivals will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31. Check-in and registration on Thursday, August 1, will be from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; the welcome activities will begin at 1:30 p.m. (see the Scholars Weekend app for more details).
For the Alumni Summit, attendees should check in to their rooms as they arrive Friday, August 2nd. We will have a registration table open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Ballroom Prefunction Area. There will be signage directing people to this location. For those attendees arriving after 4:00 p.m., please proceed to the conference center front desk, where they will provide you with arrival package. The official kickoff of Alumni Summit will take place at the banquet Friday evening.
Please review the travel information carefully. Our reservations at the National Conference Center are for Cooke Scholars and alumni only. They do not include friends or family.
Smartphone App for Scholars Weekend
We’ve built a mobile app for Scholars Weekend 2019! As an attendee, you should have received an email with instructions on how to download and verify the app. Here’s what you need to know:
The app has all of the important information you’ll need for the event, and features to enhance your event experience.
Step 1: The first thing you’ll need to do is download the app on the device you’re bringing to the event.
Step 2: Enter the event code, which is jkcfsw19
Any questions? Contact Abby at adarko@jkcf.org
Rules & Expectations
The National Conference Center
The National Conference Center is our host for the weekend. As you are representatives of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, we ask that you respect the Conference Center’s rules during your stay.
- No smoking in the building.
- No overnight guests in the hotel rooms (including family members) unless otherwise approved by Cooke Foundation staff.
- Be considerate of other conference center guests – please keep noise level in mind.
Cooke Scholar Conduct Expectations
The Cooke Foundation’s staff and board members look forward to Scholars Weekend and Alumni Summit for the opportunity it provides to meet all of you personally. We believe that the strongest asset of the Cooke Foundation is our scholars and alumni, and one of the main goals of the weekend is to bring all of you together to learn from and about each other. Throughout Scholars Weekend and the Alumni Summit, you are expected to:
- Attend all sessions and events, arrive on time, and be ready to engage.
- Treat each other respectfully.
- Adhere to the dress code.
- Refrain from alcohol or drug use in guest rooms, public spaces, or Foundation event spaces. Underage drinking will result in dismissal from the event.
- Call the emergency numbers listed below and notify Cooke Foundation staff if urgent or emergency situations arise. We hope that by creating an environment that is safe, respectful, and collegial that it allows everyone to fully engage in the programming and enjoy the weekend!
Emergency Numbers
| National Conference Center | 911 on any NCC house/in-room phone |
| Cooke Foundation Staff | (Travel problems only please) 540-333-8279 (Julia Nelson) A-K Scholars 540-333-5178 (Melissa Fromm) L-Z Scholars |
| Cooke Staff Emergency Contact | 1-866-846-7320 (Erica Spurlock) |
Recommended Attire
Summer in the DC area is hot and humid, but the National Conference Center is air-conditioned. Bring a sweater or jacket if you tend to get cold.
Wednesday, July 31 – (Early Arrivals Only)
- Casual, but appropriate clothing
- No events – travel day for early arrivals
Thursday, August 1
- Casual, but appropriate clothing
- All events inside
- Wear your college shirt! We will be taking small and large group photos of the newest cohort of scholars proudly sharing the college they will attend in the fall.
Friday, August 2
- Business Casual attire*
- All events inside
Friday Evening, August 2 – Reception and Banquet
- Business attire (e.g., suits or sports jackets, ties, slacks, dresses, or skirts and blouses)
Saturday, August 3
- Business Casual attire*
- All events inside
*Appropriate business casual attire typically includes slacks or khakis, dress shirt or blouse, open-collar or polo shirt, optional tie or seasonal sport coat, a dress or skirt at knee-length or below, a tailored blazer, knit shirt or sweater, and loafers or dress shoes that cover all or most of the foot.
Pre-Conference Workshops
Scholars Weekend is chock-full of great workshops and sessions that will help you prepare for college life and life after college. Before we kick things off officially, we have some fun and engaging activities planned for you. It’s a great way to connect with old friends, make new friends, get ready for the weekend, and Thrive Together!
More info coming soon!
Map of the National Conference Center
View or download this PDF for maps of the NCC’s West Building and the second-, third-, and fourth-floor meeting spaces in the North Building.
The information below will help you plan your arrival to Scholars Weekend.
The Cooke Foundation will cover the scholar’s room, scheduled meals while at the NCC, and approved travel expenses. Other expenses will be the responsibility of the individual scholar. Please see the Travel Reimbursement Guidelines below for details.
Scholars Arriving on Wednesday, July 31 (Early Arrivals)
All early arrivals are free to explore the surrounding area on July 31. There will be scholar hangouts on Wednesday night between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. Pre-Conference Activities will run during registration on Thursday, August 1 prior to the 4:00 p.m. welcome session. Please check the Scholars Weekend phone app or the schedule you receive when you check in for further schedule details.
Please note: You may eat at the dining hall at the NCC beginning with dinner on July 31, 2019.
Plane
Scholars coming from the West Coast/Midwest or abroad and Cooke Scholars with difficult connections may arrive a day early (Wednesday, July 31). Hotel rooms at the NCC have been reserved for you. The Cooke Foundation will provide a shuttle from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to the NCC. Upon arrival at the airport, follow the signs to baggage claim to retrieve your luggage. Then, meet the Cooke Foundation staff member waiting between Baggage Claim 8 & 10 (located by door 4) in a black polo shirt. Please consult this map for meeting location. The shuttles will run about every half hour. Shuttles will loop between the airport and the NCC beginning at 3:00 p.m., with the last shuttle departing the airport at approximately 7:30 p.m.
If you arrive after 7:30 p.m. and miss the last shuttle to the NCC, you must arrange and pay for your own transportation. Keep receipts! The Cooke Foundation will reimburse you after Scholars Weekend if we are paying for your travel.
- Washington Flyer Taxi services Dulles International Airport. You can call them at (703) 572-8294. It could cost up to $50 with a tip for a one way to NCC. Please be sure to have enough cash on hand in case you need to take a taxi. Most cabs do accept credit cards, but have cash for a backup.
- Uber is another transportation service available in the area. More information about Uber and the Uber app can be found at www.uber.com. Visit this page to learn how to use Uber without a smartphone.
To navigate to the National Conference Center, please use this address:
18980 Upper Belmont Place
Leesburg, VA 20176
Parking
Free parking will be provided at NCC for Cooke Scholars who are driving. See the Driving Information and Parking section for details.
Registration
Check-in and Cooke Foundation registration is from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31 in the area outside the Grand Ballroom in the West Building. You must present photo identification when checking in to the NCC.
If you arrive after 8:00 p.m., check in with the NCC in the front lobby. You must register with the Cooke Foundation on Thursday, August 1. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.
Dulles Airport Shuttle Map
View or download the PDF below for information about the Cooke Foundation shuttle buses at Dulles Airport:
Driving Information and Parking
Driving
Directions to the National Conference Center (NCC) from several different starting points are provided on this site: http://www.conferencecenter.com/Contact-Us
The DC area is known for its traffic! Locally, you can listen to 103.5 WTOP (FM) for traffic conditions.
GPS Instructions
If you are using your vehicle’s GPS system to navigate, please enter the following address:
18980 Upper Belmont Place
Leesburg, VA 20176
Upon Arrival
Please view the map of the NCC and proceed to the area outside the Grand Ballroom in the West Building to check in with the Foundation.
Parking
If you are planning to drive to the NCC you may park overnight in the parking garage located across from the West Building. Parking is free.
If you encounter travel difficulties, call 540-333-8279 (Julia) if your last name starts with letters A through K or 540-333-5178 (Melissa) if your last name starts with letters L through Z.
Scholars Arriving on Thursday, August 1
Pre-Conference Workshops will be held during registration. The official welcome session begins at 2:00 p.m. in Loudoun Auditorium in the West Building. Please check the Scholars Weekend phone app or the schedule you receive when you check in for further schedule details.
Please note: On August 1, lunch will be available in the NCC dining facility for those scholars who arrive before noon and boxed lunches will be available for those arriving after noon.
Plane
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is a 20-minute drive to the NCC. The Cooke Foundation will provide a shuttle bus from IAD to the NCC. Upon arrival at the airport, follow the signs to baggage claim to retrieve your luggage. Then, meet the Cooke Foundation staff member waiting between Baggage Claim 8 & 10 (located by door 4) in a black polo shirt. Please consult this map for meeting location. The shuttles will run about every half hour and will loop between the airport and the NCC. There will be two sets of shuttle times: morning through early afternoon and an evening shuttle. The first round of shuttles will begin at 8:00 a.m., with the last shuttle departing the airport at approximately 1:30 p.m. The second round of shuttles will begin at 4:30 p.m., with the last shuttle departing the airport at approximately 7:30 p.m.
If you arrive after 1:30 p.m. and miss the last shuttle in the early shift, you must arrange and pay for your own transportation or wait until the 4:30 shuttle comes back. Keep receipts! The Cooke Foundation will reimburse you after Scholars Weekend if we are paying for your travel.
- Washington Flyer Taxi services Dulles International Airport. You can call them at (703) 572-8294. It could cost up to $50 with a tip for a one way to NCC. Please be sure to have enough cash on hand in case you need to take a taxi. Most cabs accept credit cards but have cash for a backup.
- Uber is another transportation service available in the area. More information about Uber and the Uber app can be found at www.uber.com. Visit this page to learn how to use Uber without a smartphone.
To navigate to the National Conference Center, please use this address:
18980 Upper Belmont Place
Leesburg, VA 20176
Train and Local Scholars
Union Station is located at 50 Massachusetts Ave., NE Washington, DC, 20002. The Cooke Foundation will provide a shuttle from Union Station to the NCC. Once at the train station, please locate the Cooke Foundation staff member in a black polo shirt. Please see this map to find the meeting location. There will be one pick up time: 12:00 p.m. The shuttle will have a Cooke Foundation sign in the window.
If you arrive after 12:00 p.m. and miss the shuttle to the NCC, you may either take a taxi/Uber to the NCC or take the metro from Union Station to Wiehle-Reston (the last stop on the Silver Line heading West) and then take a taxi/Uber from the Wiehle-Reston metro station to the NCC. The NCC is located at 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg, VA 20176.
- The cost of a taxi from Union Station is approximately $120.00. The cost of the metro and then taxi from Wiehle-Reston Station is approximately $60. Please be sure to have enough cash on hand in case you need to take a taxi. Most cabs accept credit cards but have cash for a backup. Keep receipts! The Cooke Foundation will reimburse you after Scholars Weekend if we are paying for your travel. The taxi stand is located at the front of Union Station outside the Main Hall entrance and operates 24/7. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reserve a taxi in advance of your arrival.
- Fairfax Yellow Cab (703) 534-1111 and Fairfax Red Top Cab (703) 333-3333 are two taxi companies that service the Wiehle-Reston metro station.
- Uber is another transportation service available in the area. More information about Uber and the Uber app can be found at www.uber.com. Visit this page to learn how to use Uber without a smartphone.
Parking
Free parking will be provided at NCC for Cooke Scholars who are driving. See the Driving Information and Parking section for details.
Registration
Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1. Please enter the conference center at the main building (called the West Building) at the entrance for the lobby. Proceed to the area outside the Grand Ballroom in the West Building to register with the Cooke Foundation. If you arrive after 2:00 p.m., please check in with NCC in the lobby and register with the Cooke Foundation when we re-open for late registration at 8:00 p.m. in the West Building lobby.
If your flight or train is delayed and you arrive to the NCC after 10:00 p.m., you will check-in at the front desk in the West Building Lobby.
You must present photo identification when checking in with the NCC.
Dulles & Union Station Shuttle Maps
View or download the PDFs below for information about the Cooke Foundation shuttle buses at these locations:
Driving Information and Parking
Driving
Directions to the National Conference Center (NCC) from several different starting points are provided on this site: http://www.conferencecenter.com/Contact-Us
The DC area is known for its traffic! Locally, you can listen to 103.5 WTOP (FM) for traffic conditions.
GPS Instructions
If you are using your vehicle’s GPS system to navigate, please enter the following address:
18980 Upper Belmont Place
Leesburg, VA 20176
Upon Arrival
Please view the map of the NCC and proceed to the area outside the Grand Ballroom in the West Building to check in with the Foundation.
Parking
If you are planning to drive to the NCC you may park overnight in the parking garage located across from the West Building. Parking is free.
If you encounter travel difficulties, call 540-333-8279 (Julia) if your last name starts with letters A through K or 540-333-5178 (Melissa) if your last name starts with letters L through Z.
Travel Reimbursement Guidelines
Lodging/Food
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation will arrange accommodations for you at the National Conference Center (NCC) and will pay the hotel directly for your lodging costs. Each Cooke Scholar will be assigned to a single non-smoking hotel room.
For information about check-in and registration, please refer to the Registration tab above. A travel email will also be sent to you the week before Scholars Weekend.
Check-out is automatic on Sunday, August 4. Please leave your room key in your room. All guest room keys will be deactivated at 12:00 p.m. (noon).
As part of the Scholars Weekend, all meals will be provided by the Cooke Foundation.
Travel
The high cost of travel has a significant impact on our program costs. As a result, all Cooke Scholars are expected to travel to the National Conference Center by the most direct and economical means of transportation available.
Personal Automobile
If travel by car is the most appropriate or convenient means of transportation, you will be reimbursed 25 cents per mile, plus tolls, for actual round-trip mileage to the NCC. If travel by car is not the most economical means, but you select this option anyway, you will be reimbursed for the amount of actual mileage expense or the lowest available air/train fare; whichever is lower. Information on parking and directions to the National Conference Center are posted on the Scholars Weekend 2019 event website. Please review this information before your arrival.
Air Transportation
Your travel has been arranged by Cooke Foundation from the information provided on your on-line registration and a proposed itinerary was sent to you by email for confirmation. Once reservations are made, changes, if permitted by the airline, are at your expense. Tickets are nonrefundable. Any additional costs incurred due to personal or academic travel to or from another city, or on other dates, will not be paid. You will arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). A Cooke Foundation shuttle to the NCC will be provided for those Cooke Scholars arriving on July 31 and August 1. The travel information on the website lists specific shuttle times and further information.
Train Transportation
Cooke Scholars traveling by train will arrive at Union Station. Cooke Scholars arriving at Union Station on August 1 will take the Cooke Foundation provided shuttle to the National Conference Center. Please refer to the website for shuttle time and further information.
Travel Expense Reimbursement
The Cooke Foundation will pay directly for your air/train fare, lodging costs, prearranged meals, and shuttle services. Any incidental expenses incurred during your stay will not be paid by the Cooke Foundation nor may they be submitted to the Cooke Foundation for reimbursement. However, out-of-pocket expenses you incur while you travel to and from the event may be submitted for possible reimbursement. Please retain all receipts. Use the following guidelines when completing your Expense Reimbursement Form:
- Cooke Scholars will be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred while traveling to and from the Scholars Weekend, up to $50 per calendar day for meals, tips, and miscellaneous expenses, inclusive of service charges and taxes. Following are established maximum amounts for meals and incidentals: $10 for breakfast, $12 for lunch, $26 for dinner, $2 for incidentals. The charges for meals can start only from the time that it is necessary to leave your home/origination point to arrive in time for Scholars Weekend and end when Scholars Weekend has concluded and necessary travel time has been used for you to return to your home/origination point.
- A boxed lunch will be provided on departure day, and therefore meals on departure day will be reimbursed at the discretion of the Foundation depending on departure times.
- Most airlines have instituted an additional fee for passengers who wish to check luggage. Please refer to the airline’s website for details on baggage fees. The Cooke Foundation will reimburse scholars for up to ONE piece of checked luggage. The Cooke Foundation will not reimburse scholars for more than one piece of checked luggage, regardless of whether the first piece was checked at no charge. Please keep your receipts for reimbursement.
- Tips should be limited to 15 percent.
- Receipts must be attached to the Expense Reimbursement Form for all travel by public transportation and for such expenses as taxi rides, meals, and airport parking.
- The auto mileage reimbursement rate is 25 cents per mile, plus tolls. Attach a copy of your route using Google Maps or another map site. If your route is longer than the route shown on Google Maps (a difference of 5 miles or more), please attach an explanation to your expense reimbursement as to why your route was longer.
- Foreign Exchange – For those traveling from another country to the event, the Cooke Foundation will reimburse based on the documented rate of exchange actually paid. If documentation is not available for foreign exchange rates used, the Cooke Foundation will reimburse at the rate quoted by www.exchangerate.com for the day the expense occurred. You must note on the travel report the basis used to calculate the amount of foreign expenses.
- Car Insurance – The Cooke Foundation’s insurance will not cover any physical losses sustained if a Cooke Scholar has an accident while driving his or her personal automobile to, during, or from a Cooke Foundation event. A Cooke Scholar’s personal insurance becomes the insurance of record.
Email a scanned copy of your completed Expense Reimbursement Form and the appropriate receipts to scholars@jkcf.org by August 20, 2019. Or you may mail the reimbursement form and appropriate receipts to the address below. If you have any questions, please contact us at 1-800-846-9025 or scholars@jkcf.org.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Higher Education Programs
44325 Woodridge Parkway
Lansdowne, VA 20176
The information below will help you plan your arrival to Alumni Summit at Scholars Weekend.
The Cooke Foundation will cover the cost of the room, scheduled meals while at the NCC, and approved travel expenses. Other expenses will be the responsibility of the individual alum. Please see the Travel Reimbursement Guidelines below for details.
Alumni Arriving on Thursday, August 1 (Early Arrivals)
All early arrivals are free to explore the surrounding area on August 1. There will be an opening session on Thursday afternoon at 3:45 p.m. The first film screening in the Alumni Film Series will take place at 9:15 p.m. Please check the Scholars Weekend phone app or the schedule you receive when you check in for further schedule details.
Please note: You may eat at the dining hall at the NCC beginning with dinner on August 1, 2019.
Plane
Alumni coming from the West Coast or abroad and Cooke Scholar alumni with difficult connections may arrive a day early (Thursday, August 1). With approval and confirmation from Foundation staff, hotel rooms at the NCC have been reserved for you.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is a 20 minute drive to the NCC. The Cooke Foundation will provide a shuttle bus from IAD to the NCC. Upon arrival at the airport, follow the signs to baggage claim to retrieve your luggage. Then, meet the Cooke Foundation staff member waiting between Baggage Claim 8 & 10 (located by door 4) in a black polo shirt. Please consult this map for meeting location. The shuttles will run about every half hour and will loop between the airport and the NCC. There will be two sets of shuttle times: morning through early afternoon and an evening shuttle. The first round of shuttles will begin at 8:00 a.m., with the last shuttle departing the airport at approximately 1:30 p.m. The second round of shuttles will begin at 4:30 p.m., with the last shuttle departing the airport at approximately 7:30 p.m.
If you arrive after 1:30 p.m. and miss the last shuttle in the early shift, you must arrange and pay for your own transportation or wait until the 4:30 shuttle comes back. Keep receipts! The Cooke Foundation will reimburse you after Scholars Weekend if we are paying for your travel.
- Washington Flyer Taxi services Dulles International Airport. You can call them at (703) 572-8294. It could cost up to $50 with a tip for a one way to NCC. Please be sure to have enough cash on hand in case you need to take a taxi. Most cabs accept credit cards but have cash for a backup.
- Uber is another transportation service available in the area. More information about Uber and the Uber app can be found at www.uber.com. Visit this page to learn how to use Uber without a smartphone.
To navigate to the National Conference Center, please use this address:
18980 Upper Belmont Place
Leesburg, VA 20176
Train and Local Alumni
Union Station is located at 50 Massachusetts Ave., NE Washington, DC, 20002. The Cooke Foundation will provide a shuttle from Union Station to the NCC. Once at the train station, please locate the Cooke Foundation staff member in a black polo shirt. Please use this map to find the meeting location. There will be one pick up time: 12:00 p.m. The shuttle will have a Cooke Foundation sign in the window.
If you arrive after 12:00 p.m. and miss the shuttle to the NCC, you may either take a taxi/Uber to the NCC or take the metro from Union Station to Wiehle-Reston (the last stop on the Silver Line heading West) and then take a taxi/Uber from the Wiehle-Reston metro station to the NCC. The NCC is located at 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg, VA 20176.
- The cost of a taxi from Union Station is approximately $120.00. The cost of the metro and then taxi from Wiehle-Reston Station is approximately $60. Please be sure to have enough cash on hand in case you need to take a taxi. Most cabs accept credit cards but have cash for a backup. Keep receipts! The Cooke Foundation will reimburse you after Scholars Weekend if we are paying for your travel. The taxi stand is located at the front of Union Station outside the Main Hall entrance and operates 24/7. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reserve a taxi in advance of your arrival.
- Fairfax Yellow Cab (703) 534-1111 and Fairfax Red Top Cab (703) 333-3333 are two taxi companies that service the Wiehle-Reston metro station.
- Uber is another transportation service available in the area. More information about Uber and the Uber app can be found at www.uber.com. Visit this page to learn how to use Uber without a smartphone.
Parking
Free parking will be provided at NCC for Cooke Scholar alumni who are driving. See the Driving Information section for details.
Registration
Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1. Please enter the conference center at the main building (called the West Building) at the entrance for the lobby. Proceed to the area outside the Grand Ballroom in the West Building to register with the Cooke Foundation. If you arrive after 2:00 p.m., please check in with NCC in the lobby and register with the Cooke Foundation when we re-open for late registration at 8:00 p.m. in the West Building lobby.
If your flight or train is delayed and you arrive to the NCC after 10:00 p.m., you will check-in at the front desk in the West Building Lobby.
You must present photo identification when checking in with the NCC.
Dulles & Union Station Shuttle Maps
View or download the PDFs below for information about the Cooke Foundation shuttle buses at these locations:
Driving Information
Driving
Directions to the National Conference Center (NCC) from several different starting points are provided on this site: http://www.conferencecenter.com/Contact-Us
The DC area is known for its traffic! Locally, you can listen to 103.5 WTOP (FM) for traffic conditions.
GPS Instructions
If you are using your vehicle’s GPS system to navigate, please enter the following address:
18980 Upper Belmont Place
Leesburg, VA 20176
Upon Arrival
Please view the map of the NCC and proceed to the area outside the Grand Ballroom in the West Building to check in with the Foundation.
Parking
If you are planning to drive to the NCC you may park overnight in the parking garage located across from the West Building. Parking is free.
Reimbursement for Travel Expenses
Alumni will receive no reimbursement for travel-related expenses, unless otherwise pre-approved.
Alumni Arriving on Friday, August 2
Plane
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is a 20-minute drive to the NCC. The Cooke Foundation will provide a shuttle bus from IAD to the NCC between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. (see Cooke Foundation shuttle map for the meeting location). Upon arrival at the airport, follow the signs to baggage claim to retrieve your luggage. Then, meet the Cooke Foundation staff member in a black polo shirt waiting between Baggage Claim 8 & 10 (located by door 4) . The shuttles will run about every half hour and will loop between the airport to the NCC beginning at 12 p.m. with the last shuttle departing the airport at approximately 4:30 p.m.
If you arrive after 4:30 p.m. and miss the last shuttle to the NCC, you must arrange and pay for your own transportation. Keep receipts! The Cooke Foundation will reimburse you after Alumni Summit at Scholars Weekend if we are paying for your travel.
- Washington Flyer Taxi services Dulles International Airport. You can call them at (703) 572-8294. It could cost up to $50 with a tip for a one way to NCC. Please be sure to have enough cash on hand in case you need to take a taxi. Most cabs accept credit cards but have cash for a backup.
- Uber is another transportation service available in the area. More information about Uber and the Uber app can be found at www.uber.com. Visit this page to learn how to use Uber without a smartphone.
Train and Local Alumni
Union Station is located at 50 Massachusetts Ave., NE Washington, DC, 20002. The Cooke Foundation will provide a shuttle from Union Station to the NCC. Once at the train station, please locate the Cooke Foundation staff member in a black polo shirt. Please consult this map for the meeting location. There will be one shuttle time: 2:30 p.m. The shuttle will have a Cooke Foundation sign in the window.
If you arrive after 2:30 p.m. and miss the shuttle to the NCC, you may either take a taxi/Uber to the NCC or take the metro from Union Station to Wiehle-Reston (the last stop on the Silver Line heading West) and then take a taxi/Uber from the Wiehle-Reston metro station to the NCC. The NCC is located at 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg, VA 20176.
- The cost of a taxi from Union Station is approximately $120.00. The cost of the metro and then taxi from Wiehle-Reston Station is approximately $60. Please be sure to have enough cash on hand in case you need to take a taxi. Most cabs accept credit cards but have cash for a backup. Keep receipts! The Cooke Foundation will reimburse you after Scholars Weekend if we are paying for your travel. The taxi stand is located at the front of Union Station outside the Main Hall entrance and operates 24/7. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reserve a taxi in advance of your arrival.
- Fairfax Yellow Cab (703) 534-1111 and Fairfax Red Top Cab (703) 333-3333 are two taxi companies that service the Wiehle-Reston metro station.
- Uber is another transportation service available in the area. More information about Uber and the Uber app can be found at www.uber.com. Visit this page to learn how to use Uber without a smartphone.
Parking
Free parking will be provided at NCC for Cooke Scholars who are driving. See the Driving Information section for details.
Registration
Alumni Summit attendees should check in to their rooms as they arrive Friday, August 2nd. We will have a registration table open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Ballroom Prefunction Area. There will be signage directing people to this location. For those attendees arriving after 4:00 p.m., please proceed to the conference center front desk, where they will provide you with arrival package. The official kickoff of Alumni Summit will take place at the banquet Friday evening.
Dulles & Union Station Shuttle Maps
View or download the PDFs below for information about the Cooke Foundation shuttle buses at these locations:
Driving Information
Driving
Directions to the National Conference Center (NCC) from several different starting points are provided on this site: http://www.conferencecenter.com/Contact-Us
The DC area is known for its traffic! Locally, you can listen to 103.5 WTOP (FM) for traffic conditions.
GPS Instructions
If you are using your vehicle’s GPS system to navigate, please enter the following address:
18980 Upper Belmont Place
Leesburg, VA 20176
Upon Arrival
Please view the map of the NCC and proceed to the area outside the Grand Ballroom in the West Building to check in with the Foundation.
Parking
If you are planning to drive to the NCC you may park overnight in the parking garage located across from the West Building. Parking is free.
Reimbursement for Travel Expenses
Alumni will receive no reimbursement for travel related expenses, unless otherwise pre-approved.
Travel Reimbursement Guidelines
Alumni will receive no reimbursement for travel-related expenses, unless otherwise pre-approved.
Lodging/Food
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation will arrange accommodations for you at the National Conference Center (NCC) and will pay the hotel directly for your lodging costs. Each Cooke Scholar alum will be assigned to a single non-smoking hotel room.
For information about check-in and registration, please refer to the 2019 Scholars Weekend webpage: http://www.jkcf.org/weekend. A travel email will also be sent to you the week before Scholars Weekend.
Check-out is automatic on Sunday, August 4. Please leave your room key in your room. All guest room keys will be deactivated at 12:00 p.m. (noon).
As part of the Alumni Summit at Scholars Weekend, all meals will be provided by the Cooke Foundation.
Travel
Alumni are responsible for all travel costs to and from the event unless preapproved for reimbursement.
Air Transportation
If your travel has been arranged by Cooke Foundation from the information provided on your on-line registration, a proposed itinerary was sent to you by email for confirmation. Once reservations are made, changes, if permitted by the airline, are at your expense. Tickets are nonrefundable. Any additional costs incurred due to personal or academic travel to or from another city, or on other dates, will not be paid. You will arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). A Cooke Foundation shuttle to the NCC will be provided for those Cooke Scholars arriving on August 1 and August 2. The travel information on the website lists specific shuttle times and further information.
Train Transportation
If your travel has been arranged by Cooke Foundation, alumni traveling by train will arrive at Union Station. Cooke Scholar alumni arriving at Union Station on August 2 will take the Cooke Foundation provided shuttle to the National Conference Center. Please refer to the website for shuttle time and further information.
Travel Expense Reimbursement
If pre-approved, the Cooke Foundation will pay directly for your air/train fare, lodging costs, prearranged meals, and shuttle services. Any travel not pre-approved and any incidental expenses incurred during your stay will not be paid directly by the Cooke Foundation nor may they be submitted to the Cooke Foundation for reimbursement.
Car Insurance
The Cooke Foundation’s insurance will not cover any physical losses sustained if a Cooke Scholar has an accident while driving his or her personal automobile to, during, or from a Cooke Foundation event. A Cooke Scholar’s personal insurance becomes the insurance of record.
Saturday morning of Scholars Weekend, we are thrilled to host our second annual Career Pathways Exchange. This event gives Cooke Scholars an amazing opportunity to network with over 150 Cooke Scholar alumni, human resources professionals, and other mentors about industry-specific information and skills development. Whether just entering college or preparing for senior year, the Career Pathways Exchange makes the link between academic and career goals.
Download the Master Schedule and then follow the outlined steps below to plan for the Career Pathways Exchange.
Suggestions for Participants
Here are some suggestions to help you plan:
- We highly recommend that you attend at least one session/presentation with industry/organization representatives, and that you participate in a workshop/skills session (either resume, cover letter, or mock interview).
- Pro tip: there will be a lot going on, so be sure to be an active participant, but also pace yourself and take a break if you need to during the day.
- Take a look at the brief schedule for the Exchange. Highlight or circle any activities that seem very interesting to you.
- Are there sessions that are only offered at one time, and you really want to attend them? Start filling in your schedule with these sessions first.
Suggestions for Alumni Presenters
Stay tuned for updates coming soon!
Brief Overview of Activities
- Mock Interviews. You must sign up in advance for this (stay tuned for that), so make sure you keep this in mind when creating your schedule. The Foundation will assign you into a time slot and let you know your scheduled time when you arrive at Scholars Weekend.
- Industry Rooms. There will be two rooms organized by career industry/fields focusing on developing skills, getting feedback on important career tools, and networking. You can walk in and out of these sessions, as fits your schedule. The industries and organizations may vary, as representatives will rotate in and out at each hour, so pre-check the schedule to identify the alumni you want to talk with. Bring specific questions you have and be prepared to talk about your professional goals and experiences you are looking for.
- Career Roundtables. Organized by industry sector, alumni seated at roundtables answer college-and career-relevant questions from Cooke Scholars, discuss internships, and share insights regarding available paths, roles, and organizations, as well as their own personal journeys and lessons learned.
- Career Skills Tables. Organized by industry sector, alumni provide guidance and feedback on your important career tools including resumes/CVs, cover letters, personal statements, LinkedIn profiles, and elevator pitches.
- Spotlight Presentations. Information-packed 30-minute presentations and panels on special topics. Although there are seats in the room, you do not have to stay in the session the entire time. This year’s presentations will include:
- Federal Careers: Where to Start and What to Expect
- Insight into Academia: Myths and Realities
- Staying on the Hustle: Securing Fellowship and Grant Funding in Grad School
- Thriving in the Competitive World of Research: A Strategic Roadmap
- The Inside Scoop on Non-Profits
- Tips to Bootstrap Fund a Start-Up
- Job Talks: Where I Work and What I Do. Mini presentations delivered soapbox style, with alumni sharing about their current occupation, place of employment, and the college and career steps that made a difference along the way.
- Stay tuned for schedule updates soon!
- Stay tuned for schedule updates soon!
- Professional Headshots. This can be used to update your LinkedIn Profile, update your email photo, and for use on any other professional networking site. We will have several photographers available to take pictures at a set location for the entire Career Pathways Exchange. Sign-up information for this is coming soon!
What to Bring to the Career Pathways Exchange
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Business attire – be prepared to take a head shot (optional). Read tips on building your professional wardrobe from Cooke Scholar Emily Zaretzky.
- Professional bag – the Foundation will be providing a bag with your materials for the weekend so you are welcome to use it for the Career Pathways Exchange, or you can bring your own.
- Pens/pencils
- List of questions that you can ask during mock interviews
- Questions for alumni working in the industries you’re interested in
- Business card/contact info card – use a professional email address. The Foundation will be providing a small set of these for you to use during the Career Pathways Exchange.
- Prepared elevator pitch – a concise, polished statement or two that tells someone who you are, what skills you bring, and why you would be an asset to the job you are speaking about. Watch this vlog on crafting an elevator pitch from Cooke Scholar Muaz Mohammed.
- Wallet/ziplock/pouch to hold business cards you collect
- Notebook to write down names of people you speak with, questions or comments that you might mention in a follow-up thank you note or email, or notes to yourself for next steps to take after the exchange
Spotlight Presentations Schedule
| Time | Spotlight Topic | Presenters |
| 9:00-9:30 a.m. | Federal Careers: Where to Start and What to Expect | Anna Groves |
| 9:30-10:00 a.m. | Insight into Academia: Myths and Realities | Olha Homonchuk and Beth Ross |
| 10:00-10:30 a.m. | Staying on the Hustle: Securing Fellowship and Grant Funding in Grad School | Melissa Osborne |
| 10:30-11:00 a.m. | Thriving in the Competitive World of Research: A Strategic Roadmap | Alborz Jelvani and Nasim Eshragh Nia |
| 11:00-11:30 a.m. | The Inside Scoop on Non Profits | Larry Thi |
| 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Tips to Bootstrap Fund a Start-Up | Jake TeSelle |
Job Talks: Where I Work and What I Do Schedule
| Time | Position | Organization | Presenters |
| 9:00-9:15 a.m. | Director of Community and Economic Development | The Hill School | Twila Fisher |
| 9:15-9:30 a.m. | Research Manager | SeedSprint | Patrick Soltis |
| 9:30-9:45 a.m. | Associate Scientist | Navigate BioPharma-Novartis | Kamal Abuarquob |
| 9:45-10:00 a.m. | Digital Inclusion Specialist | Kevin Davenport | |
| 10:00-10:15 a.m. | Trial Attorney | US Department of Justice | Anahi Cortada |
| 10:15-10:30 a.m. | Director of the Conservatory | bART Center for Music | Noam Faingold |
| 10:30-10:45 a.m. | BREAK | ||
| 10:45-11:00 a.m. | Consultant | Deloitte Consulting | Sharon Ko |
| 11:00-11:15 a.m. | Dentist | Niu Dentistry | Katelyn Niu |
| 11:15-11:30 a.m. | Management Consulting Manager | Accenture | Carlos Tovias |
| 11:30-11:45 a.m. | Program Officer for Refugee Resettlement | US Department of State | Kiera Berdinner |
| 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Senior Production Engineer | Shell TechWorks | Geordie Folinas |
Smartphone App for Scholars Weekend
We’ve built a mobile app for Scholars Weekend 2019! As an attendee, you should have received an email with instructions on how to download and verify the app. Here’s what you need to know:
The app has all of the important information you’ll need for the event, and features to enhance your event experience.
Step 1: The first thing you’ll need to do is download the app on the device you’re bringing to the event.
Step 2: Enter the event code, which is jkcfsw19
Any questions? Contact Abby at adarko@jkcf.org
Rules & Expectations
The National Conference Center
The National Conference Center is our host for the weekend. As you are representatives of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, we ask that you respect the Conference Center’s rules during your stay.
- No smoking in the building.
- No overnight guests in the hotel rooms (including family members) unless otherwise approved by Cooke Foundation staff.
- Be considerate of other conference center guests – please keep noise level in mind.
Cooke Scholar Conduct Expectations
The Cooke Foundation’s staff and board members look forward to Scholars Weekend and Alumni Summit for the opportunity it provides to meet all of you personally. We believe that the strongest asset of the Cooke Foundation is our scholars and alumni, and one of the main goals of the weekend is to bring all of you together to learn from and about each other. Throughout Scholars Weekend and the Alumni Summit, you are expected to:
- Attend all sessions and events, arrive on time, and be ready to engage.
- Treat each other respectfully.
- Adhere to the dress code.
- Refrain from alcohol or drug use in guest rooms, public spaces, or Foundation event spaces. Underage drinking will result in dismissal from the event.
- Call the emergency numbers listed below and notify Cooke Foundation staff if urgent or emergency situations arise. We hope that by creating an environment that is safe, respectful, and collegial that it allows everyone to fully engage in the programming and enjoy the weekend!
Emergency Numbers
| National Conference Center | 911 on any NCC house/in-room phone |
| Cooke Foundation Staff | (Travel problems only please) 540-333-8279 (Julia Nelson) A-K Scholars 540-333-5178 (Melissa Fromm) L-Z Scholars |
| Cooke Staff Emergency Contact | 1-866-846-7320 (Erica Spurlock) |
Recommended Attire
Summer in the DC area is hot and humid, but the National Conference Center is air-conditioned. Bring a sweater or jacket if you tend to get cold.
Wednesday, July 31 – (Early Arrivals Only)
- Casual, but appropriate clothing
- No events – travel day for early arrivals
Thursday, August 1
- Casual, but appropriate clothing
- All events inside
- Wear your college shirt! We will be taking small and large group photos of the newest cohort of scholars proudly sharing the college they will attend in the fall.
Friday, August 2
- Business Casual attire*
- All events inside
Friday Evening, August 2 – Reception and Banquet
- Business attire (e.g., suits or sports jackets, ties, slacks, dresses, or skirts and blouses)
Saturday, August 3
- Business Casual attire*
- All events inside
*Appropriate business casual attire typically includes slacks or khakis, dress shirt or blouse, open-collar or polo shirt, optional tie or seasonal sport coat, a dress or skirt at knee-length or below, a tailored blazer, knit shirt or sweater, and loafers or dress shoes that cover all or most of the foot.
Pre-Conference Workshops
Scholars Weekend is chock-full of great workshops and sessions that will help you prepare for college life and life after college. Before we kick things off officially, we have some fun and engaging activities planned for you. It’s a great way to connect with old friends, make new friends, get ready for the weekend, and Thrive Together!
More info coming soon!
Map of the National Conference Center
View or download this PDF for maps of the NCC’s West Building and the second-, third-, and fourth-floor meeting spaces in the North Building.
The information below will help you plan your arrival to Scholars Weekend.
The Cooke Foundation will cover the scholar’s room, scheduled meals while at the NCC, and approved travel expenses. Other expenses will be the responsibility of the individual scholar. Please see the Travel Reimbursement Guidelines below for details.
Scholars Arriving on Wednesday, July 31 (Early Arrivals)
All early arrivals are free to explore the surrounding area on July 31. There will be scholar hangouts on Wednesday night between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. Pre-Conference Activities will run during registration on Thursday, August 1 prior to the 4:00 p.m. welcome session. Please check the Scholars Weekend phone app or the schedule you receive when you check in for further schedule details.
Please note: You may eat at the dining hall at the NCC beginning with dinner on July 31, 2019.
Plane
Scholars coming from the West Coast/Midwest or abroad and Cooke Scholars with difficult connections may arrive a day early (Wednesday, July 31). Hotel rooms at the NCC have been reserved for you. The Cooke Foundation will provide a shuttle from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to the NCC. Upon arrival at the airport, follow the signs to baggage claim to retrieve your luggage. Then, meet the Cooke Foundation staff member waiting between Baggage Claim 8 & 10 (located by door 4) in a black polo shirt. Please consult this map for meeting location. The shuttles will run about every half hour. Shuttles will loop between the airport and the NCC beginning at 3:00 p.m., with the last shuttle departing the airport at approximately 7:30 p.m.
If you arrive after 7:30 p.m. and miss the last shuttle to the NCC, you must arrange and pay for your own transportation. Keep receipts! The Cooke Foundation will reimburse you after Scholars Weekend if we are paying for your travel.
- Washington Flyer Taxi services Dulles International Airport. You can call them at (703) 572-8294. It could cost up to $50 with a tip for a one way to NCC. Please be sure to have enough cash on hand in case you need to take a taxi. Most cabs do accept credit cards, but have cash for a backup.
- Uber is another transportation service available in the area. More information about Uber and the Uber app can be found at www.uber.com. Visit this page to learn how to use Uber without a smartphone.
To navigate to the National Conference Center, please use this address:
18980 Upper Belmont Place
Leesburg, VA 20176
Parking
Free parking will be provided at NCC for Cooke Scholars who are driving. See the Driving Information and Parking section for details.
Registration
Check-in and Cooke Foundation registration is from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31 in the area outside the Grand Ballroom in the West Building. You must present photo identification when checking in to the NCC.
If you arrive after 8:00 p.m., check in with the NCC in the front lobby. You must register with the Cooke Foundation on Thursday, August 1. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.
Dulles Airport Shuttle Map
View or download the PDF below for information about the Cooke Foundation shuttle buses at Dulles Airport:
Driving Information and Parking
Driving
Directions to the National Conference Center (NCC) from several different starting points are provided on this site: http://www.conferencecenter.com/Contact-Us
The DC area is known for its traffic! Locally, you can listen to 103.5 WTOP (FM) for traffic conditions.
GPS Instructions
If you are using your vehicle’s GPS system to navigate, please enter the following address:
18980 Upper Belmont Place
Leesburg, VA 20176
Upon Arrival
Please view the map of the NCC and proceed to the area outside the Grand Ballroom in the West Building to check in with the Foundation.
Parking
If you are planning to drive to the NCC you may park overnight in the parking garage located across from the West Building. Parking is free.
If you encounter travel difficulties, call 540-333-8279 (Julia) if your last name starts with letters A through K or 540-333-5178 (Melissa) if your last name starts with letters L through Z.
Scholars Arriving on Thursday, August 1
Pre-Conference Workshops will be held during registration. The official welcome session begins at 2:00 p.m. in Loudoun Auditorium in the West Building. Please check the Scholars Weekend phone app or the schedule you receive when you check in for further schedule details.
Please note: On August 1, lunch will be available in the NCC dining facility for those scholars who arrive before noon and boxed lunches will be available for those arriving after noon.
Plane
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is a 20-minute drive to the NCC. The Cooke Foundation will provide a shuttle bus from IAD to the NCC. Upon arrival at the airport, follow the signs to baggage claim to retrieve your luggage. Then, meet the Cooke Foundation staff member waiting between Baggage Claim 8 & 10 (located by door 4) in a black polo shirt. Please consult this map for meeting location. The shuttles will run about every half hour and will loop between the airport and the NCC. There will be two sets of shuttle times: morning through early afternoon and an evening shuttle. The first round of shuttles will begin at 8:00 a.m., with the last shuttle departing the airport at approximately 1:30 p.m. The second round of shuttles will begin at 4:30 p.m., with the last shuttle departing the airport at approximately 7:30 p.m.
If you arrive after 1:30 p.m. and miss the last shuttle in the early shift, you must arrange and pay for your own transportation or wait until the 4:30 shuttle comes back. Keep receipts! The Cooke Foundation will reimburse you after Scholars Weekend if we are paying for your travel.
- Washington Flyer Taxi services Dulles International Airport. You can call them at (703) 572-8294. It could cost up to $50 with a tip for a one way to NCC. Please be sure to have enough cash on hand in case you need to take a taxi. Most cabs accept credit cards but have cash for a backup.
- Uber is another transportation service available in the area. More information about Uber and the Uber app can be found at www.uber.com. Visit this page to learn how to use Uber without a smartphone.
To navigate to the National Conference Center, please use this address:
18980 Upper Belmont Place
Leesburg, VA 20176
Train and Local Scholars
Union Station is located at 50 Massachusetts Ave., NE Washington, DC, 20002. The Cooke Foundation will provide a shuttle from Union Station to the NCC. Once at the train station, please locate the Cooke Foundation staff member in a black polo shirt. Please see this map to find the meeting location. There will be one pick up time: 12:00 p.m. The shuttle will have a Cooke Foundation sign in the window.
If you arrive after 12:00 p.m. and miss the shuttle to the NCC, you may either take a taxi/Uber to the NCC or take the metro from Union Station to Wiehle-Reston (the last stop on the Silver Line heading West) and then take a taxi/Uber from the Wiehle-Reston metro station to the NCC. The NCC is located at 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg, VA 20176.
- The cost of a taxi from Union Station is approximately $120.00. The cost of the metro and then taxi from Wiehle-Reston Station is approximately $60. Please be sure to have enough cash on hand in case you need to take a taxi. Most cabs accept credit cards but have cash for a backup. Keep receipts! The Cooke Foundation will reimburse you after Scholars Weekend if we are paying for your travel. The taxi stand is located at the front of Union Station outside the Main Hall entrance and operates 24/7. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reserve a taxi in advance of your arrival.
- Fairfax Yellow Cab (703) 534-1111 and Fairfax Red Top Cab (703) 333-3333 are two taxi companies that service the Wiehle-Reston metro station.
- Uber is another transportation service available in the area. More information about Uber and the Uber app can be found at www.uber.com. Visit this page to learn how to use Uber without a smartphone.
Parking
Free parking will be provided at NCC for Cooke Scholars who are driving. See the Driving Information and Parking section for details.
Registration
Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1. Please enter the conference center at the main building (called the West Building) at the entrance for the lobby. Proceed to the area outside the Grand Ballroom in the West Building to register with the Cooke Foundation. If you arrive after 2:00 p.m., please check in with NCC in the lobby and register with the Cooke Foundation when we re-open for late registration at 8:00 p.m. in the West Building lobby.
If your flight or train is delayed and you arrive to the NCC after 10:00 p.m., you will check-in at the front desk in the West Building Lobby.
You must present photo identification when checking in with the NCC.
Dulles & Union Station Shuttle Maps
View or download the PDFs below for information about the Cooke Foundation shuttle buses at these locations:
Driving Information and Parking
Driving
Directions to the National Conference Center (NCC) from several different starting points are provided on this site: http://www.conferencecenter.com/Contact-Us
The DC area is known for its traffic! Locally, you can listen to 103.5 WTOP (FM) for traffic conditions.
GPS Instructions
If you are using your vehicle’s GPS system to navigate, please enter the following address:
18980 Upper Belmont Place
Leesburg, VA 20176
Upon Arrival
Please view the map of the NCC and proceed to the area outside the Grand Ballroom in the West Building to check in with the Foundation.
Parking
If you are planning to drive to the NCC you may park overnight in the parking garage located across from the West Building. Parking is free.
If you encounter travel difficulties, call 540-333-8279 (Julia) if your last name starts with letters A through K or 540-333-5178 (Melissa) if your last name starts with letters L through Z.
Travel Reimbursement Guidelines
Lodging/Food
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation will arrange accommodations for you at the National Conference Center (NCC) and will pay the hotel directly for your lodging costs. Each Cooke Scholar will be assigned to a single non-smoking hotel room.
For information about check-in and registration, please refer to the Registration tab above. A travel email will also be sent to you the week before Scholars Weekend.
Check-out is automatic on Sunday, August 4. Please leave your room key in your room. All guest room keys will be deactivated at 12:00 p.m. (noon).
As part of the Scholars Weekend, all meals will be provided by the Cooke Foundation.
Travel
The high cost of travel has a significant impact on our program costs. As a result, all Cooke Scholars are expected to travel to the National Conference Center by the most direct and economical means of transportation available.
Personal Automobile
If travel by car is the most appropriate or convenient means of transportation, you will be reimbursed 25 cents per mile, plus tolls, for actual round-trip mileage to the NCC. If travel by car is not the most economical means, but you select this option anyway, you will be reimbursed for the amount of actual mileage expense or the lowest available air/train fare; whichever is lower. Information on parking and directions to the National Conference Center are posted on the Scholars Weekend 2019 event website. Please review this information before your arrival.
Air Transportation
Your travel has been arranged by Cooke Foundation from the information provided on your on-line registration and a proposed itinerary was sent to you by email for confirmation. Once reservations are made, changes, if permitted by the airline, are at your expense. Tickets are nonrefundable. Any additional costs incurred due to personal or academic travel to or from another city, or on other dates, will not be paid. You will arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). A Cooke Foundation shuttle to the NCC will be provided for those Cooke Scholars arriving on July 31 and August 1. The travel information on the website lists specific shuttle times and further information.
Train Transportation
Cooke Scholars traveling by train will arrive at Union Station. Cooke Scholars arriving at Union Station on August 1 will take the Cooke Foundation provided shuttle to the National Conference Center. Please refer to the website for shuttle time and further information.
Travel Expense Reimbursement
The Cooke Foundation will pay directly for your air/train fare, lodging costs, prearranged meals, and shuttle services. Any incidental expenses incurred during your stay will not be paid by the Cooke Foundation nor may they be submitted to the Cooke Foundation for reimbursement. However, out-of-pocket expenses you incur while you travel to and from the event may be submitted for possible reimbursement. Please retain all receipts. Use the following guidelines when completing your Expense Reimbursement Form:
- Cooke Scholars will be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred while traveling to and from the Scholars Weekend, up to $50 per calendar day for meals, tips, and miscellaneous expenses, inclusive of service charges and taxes. Following are established maximum amounts for meals and incidentals: $10 for breakfast, $12 for lunch, $26 for dinner, $2 for incidentals. The charges for meals can start only from the time that it is necessary to leave your home/origination point to arrive in time for Scholars Weekend and end when Scholars Weekend has concluded and necessary travel time has been used for you to return to your home/origination point.
- A boxed lunch will be provided on departure day, and therefore meals on departure day will be reimbursed at the discretion of the Foundation depending on departure times.
- Most airlines have instituted an additional fee for passengers who wish to check luggage. Please refer to the airline’s website for details on baggage fees. The Cooke Foundation will reimburse scholars for up to ONE piece of checked luggage. The Cooke Foundation will not reimburse scholars for more than one piece of checked luggage, regardless of whether the first piece was checked at no charge. Please keep your receipts for reimbursement.
- Tips should be limited to 15 percent.
- Receipts must be attached to the Expense Reimbursement Form for all travel by public transportation and for such expenses as taxi rides, meals, and airport parking.
- The auto mileage reimbursement rate is 25 cents per mile, plus tolls. Attach a copy of your route using Google Maps or another map site. If your route is longer than the route shown on Google Maps (a difference of 5 miles or more), please attach an explanation to your expense reimbursement as to why your route was longer.
- Foreign Exchange – For those traveling from another country to the event, the Cooke Foundation will reimburse based on the documented rate of exchange actually paid. If documentation is not available for foreign exchange rates used, the Cooke Foundation will reimburse at the rate quoted by www.exchangerate.com for the day the expense occurred. You must note on the travel report the basis used to calculate the amount of foreign expenses.
- Car Insurance – The Cooke Foundation’s insurance will not cover any physical losses sustained if a Cooke Scholar has an accident while driving his or her personal automobile to, during, or from a Cooke Foundation event. A Cooke Scholar’s personal insurance becomes the insurance of record.
Email a scanned copy of your completed Expense Reimbursement Form and the appropriate receipts to scholars@jkcf.org by August 20, 2019. Or you may mail the reimbursement form and appropriate receipts to the address below. If you have any questions, please contact us at 1-800-846-9025 or scholars@jkcf.org.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Higher Education Programs
44325 Woodridge Parkway
Lansdowne, VA 20176
The information below will help you plan your arrival to Alumni Summit at Scholars Weekend.
The Cooke Foundation will cover the cost of the room, scheduled meals while at the NCC, and approved travel expenses. Other expenses will be the responsibility of the individual alum. Please see the Travel Reimbursement Guidelines below for details.
Alumni Arriving on Thursday, August 1 (Early Arrivals)
All early arrivals are free to explore the surrounding area on August 1. There will be an opening session on Thursday afternoon at 3:45 p.m. The first film screening in the Alumni Film Series will take place at 9:15 p.m. Please check the Scholars Weekend phone app or the schedule you receive when you check in for further schedule details.
Please note: You may eat at the dining hall at the NCC beginning with dinner on August 1, 2019.
Plane
Alumni coming from the West Coast or abroad and Cooke Scholar alumni with difficult connections may arrive a day early (Thursday, August 1). With approval and confirmation from Foundation staff, hotel rooms at the NCC have been reserved for you.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is a 20 minute drive to the NCC. The Cooke Foundation will provide a shuttle bus from IAD to the NCC. Upon arrival at the airport, follow the signs to baggage claim to retrieve your luggage. Then, meet the Cooke Foundation staff member waiting between Baggage Claim 8 & 10 (located by door 4) in a black polo shirt. Please consult this map for meeting location. The shuttles will run about every half hour and will loop between the airport and the NCC. There will be two sets of shuttle times: morning through early afternoon and an evening shuttle. The first round of shuttles will begin at 8:00 a.m., with the last shuttle departing the airport at approximately 1:30 p.m. The second round of shuttles will begin at 4:30 p.m., with the last shuttle departing the airport at approximately 7:30 p.m.
If you arrive after 1:30 p.m. and miss the last shuttle in the early shift, you must arrange and pay for your own transportation or wait until the 4:30 shuttle comes back. Keep receipts! The Cooke Foundation will reimburse you after Scholars Weekend if we are paying for your travel.
- Washington Flyer Taxi services Dulles International Airport. You can call them at (703) 572-8294. It could cost up to $50 with a tip for a one way to NCC. Please be sure to have enough cash on hand in case you need to take a taxi. Most cabs accept credit cards but have cash for a backup.
- Uber is another transportation service available in the area. More information about Uber and the Uber app can be found at www.uber.com. Visit this page to learn how to use Uber without a smartphone.
To navigate to the National Conference Center, please use this address:
18980 Upper Belmont Place
Leesburg, VA 20176
Train and Local Alumni
Union Station is located at 50 Massachusetts Ave., NE Washington, DC, 20002. The Cooke Foundation will provide a shuttle from Union Station to the NCC. Once at the train station, please locate the Cooke Foundation staff member in a black polo shirt. Please use this map to find the meeting location. There will be one pick up time: 12:00 p.m. The shuttle will have a Cooke Foundation sign in the window.
If you arrive after 12:00 p.m. and miss the shuttle to the NCC, you may either take a taxi/Uber to the NCC or take the metro from Union Station to Wiehle-Reston (the last stop on the Silver Line heading West) and then take a taxi/Uber from the Wiehle-Reston metro station to the NCC. The NCC is located at 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg, VA 20176.
- The cost of a taxi from Union Station is approximately $120.00. The cost of the metro and then taxi from Wiehle-Reston Station is approximately $60. Please be sure to have enough cash on hand in case you need to take a taxi. Most cabs accept credit cards but have cash for a backup. Keep receipts! The Cooke Foundation will reimburse you after Scholars Weekend if we are paying for your travel. The taxi stand is located at the front of Union Station outside the Main Hall entrance and operates 24/7. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reserve a taxi in advance of your arrival.
- Fairfax Yellow Cab (703) 534-1111 and Fairfax Red Top Cab (703) 333-3333 are two taxi companies that service the Wiehle-Reston metro station.
- Uber is another transportation service available in the area. More information about Uber and the Uber app can be found at www.uber.com. Visit this page to learn how to use Uber without a smartphone.
Parking
Free parking will be provided at NCC for Cooke Scholar alumni who are driving. See the Driving Information section for details.
Registration
Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1. Please enter the conference center at the main building (called the West Building) at the entrance for the lobby. Proceed to the area outside the Grand Ballroom in the West Building to register with the Cooke Foundation. If you arrive after 2:00 p.m., please check in with NCC in the lobby and register with the Cooke Foundation when we re-open for late registration at 8:00 p.m. in the West Building lobby.
If your flight or train is delayed and you arrive to the NCC after 10:00 p.m., you will check-in at the front desk in the West Building Lobby.
You must present photo identification when checking in with the NCC.
Dulles & Union Station Shuttle Maps
View or download the PDFs below for information about the Cooke Foundation shuttle buses at these locations:
Driving Information
Driving
Directions to the National Conference Center (NCC) from several different starting points are provided on this site: http://www.conferencecenter.com/Contact-Us
The DC area is known for its traffic! Locally, you can listen to 103.5 WTOP (FM) for traffic conditions.
GPS Instructions
If you are using your vehicle’s GPS system to navigate, please enter the following address:
18980 Upper Belmont Place
Leesburg, VA 20176
Upon Arrival
Please view the map of the NCC and proceed to the area outside the Grand Ballroom in the West Building to check in with the Foundation.
Parking
If you are planning to drive to the NCC you may park overnight in the parking garage located across from the West Building. Parking is free.
Reimbursement for Travel Expenses
Alumni will receive no reimbursement for travel-related expenses, unless otherwise pre-approved.
Alumni Arriving on Friday, August 2
Plane
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is a 20-minute drive to the NCC. The Cooke Foundation will provide a shuttle bus from IAD to the NCC between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. (see Cooke Foundation shuttle map for the meeting location). Upon arrival at the airport, follow the signs to baggage claim to retrieve your luggage. Then, meet the Cooke Foundation staff member in a black polo shirt waiting between Baggage Claim 8 & 10 (located by door 4) . The shuttles will run about every half hour and will loop between the airport to the NCC beginning at 12 p.m. with the last shuttle departing the airport at approximately 4:30 p.m.
If you arrive after 4:30 p.m. and miss the last shuttle to the NCC, you must arrange and pay for your own transportation. Keep receipts! The Cooke Foundation will reimburse you after Alumni Summit at Scholars Weekend if we are paying for your travel.
- Washington Flyer Taxi services Dulles International Airport. You can call them at (703) 572-8294. It could cost up to $50 with a tip for a one way to NCC. Please be sure to have enough cash on hand in case you need to take a taxi. Most cabs accept credit cards but have cash for a backup.
- Uber is another transportation service available in the area. More information about Uber and the Uber app can be found at www.uber.com. Visit this page to learn how to use Uber without a smartphone.
Train and Local Alumni
Union Station is located at 50 Massachusetts Ave., NE Washington, DC, 20002. The Cooke Foundation will provide a shuttle from Union Station to the NCC. Once at the train station, please locate the Cooke Foundation staff member in a black polo shirt. Please consult this map for the meeting location. There will be one shuttle time: 2:30 p.m. The shuttle will have a Cooke Foundation sign in the window.
If you arrive after 2:30 p.m. and miss the shuttle to the NCC, you may either take a taxi/Uber to the NCC or take the metro from Union Station to Wiehle-Reston (the last stop on the Silver Line heading West) and then take a taxi/Uber from the Wiehle-Reston metro station to the NCC. The NCC is located at 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg, VA 20176.
- The cost of a taxi from Union Station is approximately $120.00. The cost of the metro and then taxi from Wiehle-Reston Station is approximately $60. Please be sure to have enough cash on hand in case you need to take a taxi. Most cabs accept credit cards but have cash for a backup. Keep receipts! The Cooke Foundation will reimburse you after Scholars Weekend if we are paying for your travel. The taxi stand is located at the front of Union Station outside the Main Hall entrance and operates 24/7. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reserve a taxi in advance of your arrival.
- Fairfax Yellow Cab (703) 534-1111 and Fairfax Red Top Cab (703) 333-3333 are two taxi companies that service the Wiehle-Reston metro station.
- Uber is another transportation service available in the area. More information about Uber and the Uber app can be found at www.uber.com. Visit this page to learn how to use Uber without a smartphone.
Parking
Free parking will be provided at NCC for Cooke Scholars who are driving. See the Driving Information section for details.
Registration
Alumni Summit attendees should check in to their rooms as they arrive Friday, August 2nd. We will have a registration table open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Ballroom Prefunction Area. There will be signage directing people to this location. For those attendees arriving after 4:00 p.m., please proceed to the conference center front desk, where they will provide you with arrival package. The official kickoff of Alumni Summit will take place at the banquet Friday evening.
Dulles & Union Station Shuttle Maps
View or download the PDFs below for information about the Cooke Foundation shuttle buses at these locations:
Driving Information
Driving
Directions to the National Conference Center (NCC) from several different starting points are provided on this site: http://www.conferencecenter.com/Contact-Us
The DC area is known for its traffic! Locally, you can listen to 103.5 WTOP (FM) for traffic conditions.
GPS Instructions
If you are using your vehicle’s GPS system to navigate, please enter the following address:
18980 Upper Belmont Place
Leesburg, VA 20176
Upon Arrival
Please view the map of the NCC and proceed to the area outside the Grand Ballroom in the West Building to check in with the Foundation.
Parking
If you are planning to drive to the NCC you may park overnight in the parking garage located across from the West Building. Parking is free.
Reimbursement for Travel Expenses
Alumni will receive no reimbursement for travel related expenses, unless otherwise pre-approved.
Travel Reimbursement Guidelines
Alumni will receive no reimbursement for travel-related expenses, unless otherwise pre-approved.
Lodging/Food
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation will arrange accommodations for you at the National Conference Center (NCC) and will pay the hotel directly for your lodging costs. Each Cooke Scholar alum will be assigned to a single non-smoking hotel room.
For information about check-in and registration, please refer to the 2019 Scholars Weekend webpage: http://www.jkcf.org/weekend. A travel email will also be sent to you the week before Scholars Weekend.
Check-out is automatic on Sunday, August 4. Please leave your room key in your room. All guest room keys will be deactivated at 12:00 p.m. (noon).
As part of the Alumni Summit at Scholars Weekend, all meals will be provided by the Cooke Foundation.
Travel
Alumni are responsible for all travel costs to and from the event unless preapproved for reimbursement.
Air Transportation
If your travel has been arranged by Cooke Foundation from the information provided on your on-line registration, a proposed itinerary was sent to you by email for confirmation. Once reservations are made, changes, if permitted by the airline, are at your expense. Tickets are nonrefundable. Any additional costs incurred due to personal or academic travel to or from another city, or on other dates, will not be paid. You will arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). A Cooke Foundation shuttle to the NCC will be provided for those Cooke Scholars arriving on August 1 and August 2. The travel information on the website lists specific shuttle times and further information.
Train Transportation
If your travel has been arranged by Cooke Foundation, alumni traveling by train will arrive at Union Station. Cooke Scholar alumni arriving at Union Station on August 2 will take the Cooke Foundation provided shuttle to the National Conference Center. Please refer to the website for shuttle time and further information.
Travel Expense Reimbursement
If pre-approved, the Cooke Foundation will pay directly for your air/train fare, lodging costs, prearranged meals, and shuttle services. Any travel not pre-approved and any incidental expenses incurred during your stay will not be paid directly by the Cooke Foundation nor may they be submitted to the Cooke Foundation for reimbursement.
Car Insurance
The Cooke Foundation’s insurance will not cover any physical losses sustained if a Cooke Scholar has an accident while driving his or her personal automobile to, during, or from a Cooke Foundation event. A Cooke Scholar’s personal insurance becomes the insurance of record.
Saturday morning of Scholars Weekend, we are thrilled to host our second annual Career Pathways Exchange. This event gives Cooke Scholars an amazing opportunity to network with over 150 Cooke Scholar alumni, human resources professionals, and other mentors about industry-specific information and skills development. Whether just entering college or preparing for senior year, the Career Pathways Exchange makes the link between academic and career goals.
Download the Master Schedule and then follow the outlined steps below to plan for the Career Pathways Exchange.
Suggestions for Participants
Here are some suggestions to help you plan:
- We highly recommend that you attend at least one session/presentation with industry/organization representatives, and that you participate in a workshop/skills session (either resume, cover letter, or mock interview).
- Pro tip: there will be a lot going on, so be sure to be an active participant, but also pace yourself and take a break if you need to during the day.
- Take a look at the brief schedule for the Exchange. Highlight or circle any activities that seem very interesting to you.
- Are there sessions that are only offered at one time, and you really want to attend them? Start filling in your schedule with these sessions first.
Suggestions for Alumni Presenters
Stay tuned for updates coming soon!
Brief Overview of Activities
- Mock Interviews. You must sign up in advance for this (stay tuned for that), so make sure you keep this in mind when creating your schedule. The Foundation will assign you into a time slot and let you know your scheduled time when you arrive at Scholars Weekend.
- Industry Rooms. There will be two rooms organized by career industry/fields focusing on developing skills, getting feedback on important career tools, and networking. You can walk in and out of these sessions, as fits your schedule. The industries and organizations may vary, as representatives will rotate in and out at each hour, so pre-check the schedule to identify the alumni you want to talk with. Bring specific questions you have and be prepared to talk about your professional goals and experiences you are looking for.
- Career Roundtables. Organized by industry sector, alumni seated at roundtables answer college-and career-relevant questions from Cooke Scholars, discuss internships, and share insights regarding available paths, roles, and organizations, as well as their own personal journeys and lessons learned.
- Career Skills Tables. Organized by industry sector, alumni provide guidance and feedback on your important career tools including resumes/CVs, cover letters, personal statements, LinkedIn profiles, and elevator pitches.
- Spotlight Presentations. Information-packed 30-minute presentations and panels on special topics. Although there are seats in the room, you do not have to stay in the session the entire time. This year’s presentations will include:
- Federal Careers: Where to Start and What to Expect
- Insight into Academia: Myths and Realities
- Staying on the Hustle: Securing Fellowship and Grant Funding in Grad School
- Thriving in the Competitive World of Research: A Strategic Roadmap
- The Inside Scoop on Non-Profits
- Tips to Bootstrap Fund a Start-Up
- Job Talks: Where I Work and What I Do. Mini presentations delivered soapbox style, with alumni sharing about their current occupation, place of employment, and the college and career steps that made a difference along the way.
- Stay tuned for schedule updates soon!
- Stay tuned for schedule updates soon!
- Professional Headshots. This can be used to update your LinkedIn Profile, update your email photo, and for use on any other professional networking site. We will have several photographers available to take pictures at a set location for the entire Career Pathways Exchange. Sign-up information for this is coming soon!
What to Bring to the Career Pathways Exchange
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Business attire – be prepared to take a head shot (optional). Read tips on building your professional wardrobe from Cooke Scholar Emily Zaretzky.
- Professional bag – the Foundation will be providing a bag with your materials for the weekend so you are welcome to use it for the Career Pathways Exchange, or you can bring your own.
- Pens/pencils
- List of questions that you can ask during mock interviews
- Questions for alumni working in the industries you’re interested in
- Business card/contact info card – use a professional email address. The Foundation will be providing a small set of these for you to use during the Career Pathways Exchange.
- Prepared elevator pitch – a concise, polished statement or two that tells someone who you are, what skills you bring, and why you would be an asset to the job you are speaking about. Watch this vlog on crafting an elevator pitch from Cooke Scholar Muaz Mohammed.
- Wallet/ziplock/pouch to hold business cards you collect
- Notebook to write down names of people you speak with, questions or comments that you might mention in a follow-up thank you note or email, or notes to yourself for next steps to take after the exchange
Spotlight Presentations Schedule
| Time | Spotlight Topic | Presenters |
| 9:00-9:30 a.m. | Federal Careers: Where to Start and What to Expect | Anna Groves |
| 9:30-10:00 a.m. | Insight into Academia: Myths and Realities | Olha Homonchuk and Beth Ross |
| 10:00-10:30 a.m. | Staying on the Hustle: Securing Fellowship and Grant Funding in Grad School | Melissa Osborne |
| 10:30-11:00 a.m. | Thriving in the Competitive World of Research: A Strategic Roadmap | Alborz Jelvani and Nasim Eshragh Nia |
| 11:00-11:30 a.m. | The Inside Scoop on Non Profits | Larry Thi |
| 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Tips to Bootstrap Fund a Start-Up | Jake TeSelle |
Job Talks: Where I Work and What I Do Schedule
| Time | Position | Organization | Presenters |
| 9:00-9:15 a.m. | Director of Community and Economic Development | The Hill School | Twila Fisher |
| 9:15-9:30 a.m. | Research Manager | SeedSprint | Patrick Soltis |
| 9:30-9:45 a.m. | Associate Scientist | Navigate BioPharma-Novartis | Kamal Abuarquob |
| 9:45-10:00 a.m. | Digital Inclusion Specialist | Kevin Davenport | |
| 10:00-10:15 a.m. | Trial Attorney | US Department of Justice | Anahi Cortada |
| 10:15-10:30 a.m. | Director of the Conservatory | bART Center for Music | Noam Faingold |
| 10:30-10:45 a.m. | BREAK | ||
| 10:45-11:00 a.m. | Consultant | Deloitte Consulting | Sharon Ko |
| 11:00-11:15 a.m. | Dentist | Niu Dentistry | Katelyn Niu |
| 11:15-11:30 a.m. | Management Consulting Manager | Accenture | Carlos Tovias |
| 11:30-11:45 a.m. | Program Officer for Refugee Resettlement | US Department of State | Kiera Berdinner |
| 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Senior Production Engineer | Shell TechWorks | Geordie Folinas |
Contact Us
Starting July 31, if your flight is delayed or missed, please go to the airline’s desk agent to see if they can get you on a new flight. If the agent is unable to correct the issue that you encountered, you may contact Travelink at 669-272-1447 (option 3). Once your flight issue has been resolved, please contact us via phone call or text at 540-333-8279 (Julia) for scholars with last names A-K or 540-333-5178 (Melissa) ) for Scholars with last names L-Z to provide us with an update. You may also use these numbers if the desk agent or American Express Global Business Travel agent is unable to make changes to your flight or if you experience an emergency.
Please make a note of these numbers and carry them with you while you travel.
The Cooke Foundation cannot track down luggage or help with canceled flights. Contact the airline for luggage issues.