Phoenix College is excited to announce that one of our students, Mechack Bakana, was selected as a 2021 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Semifinalist. Through this award, the Foundation supports exceptionally talented community college students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degrees.
"I am studying to become a Thoracic surgeon. I chose Medical Studies because I enjoy learning a subject that would directly apply to real-life problems and positively impact people’s lives in the future. I aspire to complete my M.D. in cardiothoracic surgery and become a thoracic surgeon to help people with thoracic problems. It is an honor to be a semifinalist. I know that if I am able to fulfill my dream with the help of this scholarship, it will eventually pay off remarkable dividends in the future. I personally can’t afford to pay for the full tuition by myself. Although my family has always supported my efforts, unfortunately, they cannot afford my college fees," explains Mechack Bakana, as to why this is important to him and his aspirations.
"Mechack Bakana has always been a very dedicated and diligent student in my class. He successfully managed his work, his studies, his community volunteerism, and his family responsibilities successfully. I am confident he will make the most of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship to advance his studies in the medical field," said Dr. Trino Sandoval, Liberal Arts Faculty. "I know all of us at Phoenix College are really rooting for him!"
This year’s semifinalists were chosen from a pool of over 1,500 applicants attending 398 community colleges in 44 states and the District of Columbia. The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship recipients will be announced in April. In addition to financial support, selected Cooke Transfer Scholars will receive comprehensive educational advising from the Foundation to guide them through the process of transitioning to a four-year school and preparing for their careers. Undergraduate Transfer Scholars will additionally receive opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school funding, as well as connection to a thriving network of over 2,800 fellow Cooke Scholars and Alumni.