Celebrating & Supporting Students in Uncertain Times

Posted March 13, 2020 | By Cooke Foundation Staff

March 13, 2020 – Here’s what we’re reading this week about the issues affecting high-achieving students. Institutions and organizations seek to support students as COVID-19 affects schools, higher ed, and daily life. Also, scholarship semifinalists share their personal stories and ambitions for the future.

Do you know an academically talented 7th grader? Encourage them to apply for the Cooke Young Scholars Program, a selective pre-college scholarship that offers educational support to exceptionally promising students from across the nation. Cooke Young Scholars receive comprehensive advising and scholarship support from 8th grade until high school graduation. The application deadline is March 23, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Receive the Cooke Chronicle each week in your inbox: Subscribe here.

 

Elementary & Secondary Education:

  • In response to the coronavirus outbreak, over 10,000 schools in the U.S. have closed, so far. Education Week is tracking school closures in real time.
  • ISTE, the largest membership organization for educators teaching with technology, has released a set of recommendations for preparing for teaching online during school closures.

 

Higher Education:

  • As the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread across the country, over 135 colleges have announced that they are cancelling in person classes, reports Forbes. Many schools have responded by transitioning to remote and online education, and encouraging students not to stay on campus.
  • The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice provides a guide for supporting students’ basic needs throughout the COVID19 outbreak.
  • Admissions officers across the country are facing unique challenges this spring, when many universities admit their new class of students. Inside Higher Ed reports that campuses have had to cancel annual admissions events for new students, forcing them to come up with new, innovative ways to get resources and information to prospective students.

 

Cooke Foundation Highlights:

  • STEM+ Academy, which provides hands-on lessons to students in Clarke County with high potential, was recently spotlighted by the Winchester Star after students in the program got to watch a helicopter landing demonstration. This unique program received a 2019 Good Neighbor Grant from the Foundation.
  • Cooke Transfer Scholar Semifinalists receive recognition in local media coverage. Learn what inspired Diana Ha at Georgia State University’s Perimeter College to pursue a career in cardiology; The University of New Mexico shares how its student senate president, Kadeem Ladoo, plans to continue his business studies; and Leéna Boone, who first enrolled in Lorain County Community College at 12 years old, is profiled in The Morning Journal.

 

Social Media Spotlight:

Photo header: Cooke Scholars share encouragement for one another at Scholars Weekend 2019.