What are the selection criteria?

The Cooke Foundation reviews each application with assistance from a committee of education experts. The Foundation selects Cooke Young Scholars using the criteria below. While all criteria are scored, academic ability and achievement is the most heavily weighted criterion.

-Academic ability and achievement: How does the applicant stand out from others in terms of their academic ability and achievement? (Eligible applicants must have earned grades of all or mostly As, with no Cs or below in core academic subjects – English/language arts, math, science, social studies/history – since the beginning of 6th grade).

-Leadership: How does the applicant demonstrate initiative, serve as a positive role model, and contribute positively to the world around them?

-Persistence: How does the applicant show determination toward accomplishing their goals and overcoming challenges?

-Financial Need: Demonstrate unmet financial need. Applicants with a family adjusted gross income (AGI) up to $95,000 are eligible to apply. During the selection process, the Foundation will conduct a full financial review which will take into account all income and assets of the student and the student’s parents. The median family adjusted gross income of last year’s entering cohort of Cooke Young Scholars was approximately $36,800.