The Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Scholarship funds approximately 40 students from over 1,400 applications in all fields of study (including medicine, law and the fine arts) for up to six years and up to $50,000 per year at any accredited graduate school in the US or abroad. The scholarship is designed primarily to assist a student who would not otherwise be able to afford to attend graduate school and who meets the qualifications that typify the namesake, Jack Kent Cooke. See the website, especially the FAQs, for more information.
Students must have senior standing or have graduated from an accredited four-year US college or university within the past five years, have an excellent academic record (GPA of 3.5 or above), unmet financial need (must apply for financial aid at the university where they plan to attend), and an interest in the arts and humanities. Demonstrated participation in leadership and community service activities is also desirable. Illinois State University may nominate up to two students for this scholarship. Both students and parents must complete a lengthy financial section of the application with full financial disclosure required, regardless of whether the parents are helping financially now or for graduate school.
Interested students can meet with Becky Mentzer, Associate Director of the Honors Program (call 438-2559 to make an appointment) to discuss the process. Complete Applications should be delivered or mailed to the Honors Program, Campus Box 6100 no later than February 12, 2009. The applicants who are selected as our two campus nominees will be notified before spring break in order to update and finalize their application.
January 22, 2009: Students schedule individual meetings with Becky Mentzer, Honors Associate Director, by appointment, to go over application process by this date.
Students can meet with or send drafts to Becky for review and suggestions before the deadline.
February 24, 2009: Campus Screening Committee meets by this date to discuss applications; to select up to two campus nominees; and to make helpful suggestions for final application.
March 12, 2009: Final Campus Deadline Suggestions are shared with nominees, who complete entire application; request transcripts; and obtain two reference letters. The extensive financial aid forms must be completed by both the applicant and their parents. This is required and must be completed in full and returned to Honors. All application materials are due directly to Honors Program.