East Los Angeles College and West Los Angeles College Celebrate Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Winners
East Los Angeles College (ELAC) and West Los Angeles College (WLAC), both part of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), proudly announce that two exceptional students — Prisma Santiago (ELAC) and Charles “Spenser” Wilson (WLAC) — have been selected as 2025 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholars. They are among only 90 community college students selected nationwide from a highly competitive pool of over 1,600 applicants.
The prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides up to $55,000 annually for up to three years to complete a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution. Beyond funding, the award offers personalized advising and access to a national network of Cooke Scholars and alumni.
“We are incredibly proud of Prisma and Spenser for earning this prestigious national recognition,” said Dr. Alberto J. Román, Chancellor of LACCD. “Their selection as Jack Kent Cooke Scholars reflects the transformative power of community colleges and the remarkable potential within our student body. These scholarships affirm what we in LACCD know to be true — our students are among the best and brightest in the nation.”
ELAC’s Prisma Santiago, a biology major, is active in the Honors Program, EOPS, and serves as Vice President of the Chicanos for Community Medicine club. Santiago credits her success to the college’s supportive academic environment.
“This scholarship represents a life-changing opportunity that will help me pursue my academic dreams without the burden of financial stress,” said Santiago. “I'm grateful to my professors, counselors, and the supportive community at ELAC who have guided me on this journey.”
"We are immensely proud of Prisma's achievement in earning this prestigious national scholarship," said Dr. Monte E. Perez, Interim President of East Los Angeles College. "Her selection as a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar is a testament to her academic excellence, leadership abilities, and dedication to her educational journey. Prisma represents the exceptional talent and determination present throughout our student body."
Charles “Spenser” Wilson, a WLAC Transfer Honors Program student and future UCLA nursing major, overcame early academic and personal challenges, including leaving high school and pivoting from a career in audio engineering to healthcare.
“West LA has taken such good care of me,” said Wilson. “The smaller student-to-professor ratio helped me build bonds with mentors who saw my potential and pushed me to succeed. I never imagined I would win a scholarship like this, and I hope to honor my late father’s dream of working in healthcare by completing my degree at UCLA.”
“I attribute the Transfer Honors Program’s three consecutive years of producing Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship recipients to their strong culture of mentorship, academic rigor, and community,” said Dr. James M. Limbaugh, WLAC President. “Under the outstanding leadership of Professor Stella Setka, the Honors Program provides personalized guidance on scholarship and transfer applications to faculty who foster deep, discussion-based learning.”
The Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship supports high-achieving students with financial need, helping to close equity gaps in higher education. Scholars receive access to additional enrichment opportunities including internships, study abroad, graduate school funding, and a vibrant peer and alumni network.
To learn more about the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and view the full list of 2025 scholars, visit jkcf.org.
About East Los Angeles College
Founded in 1945, East Los Angeles College (ELAC) serves over 33,000 students annually and offers associate degrees, transfer programs, and career education certificates. ELAC ranks second in the nation for Hispanic student transfers and is a top producer of degrees and certificates in California. Learn more at www.elac.edu.
About West Los Angeles College
West Los Angeles College (WLAC) is an ACCJC-accredited institution offering associate degrees, transfer pathways, and two bachelor's degree programs in Dental Hygiene and Avionics. With flexible in-person and award-winning online programs, WLAC empowers students to achieve their academic and career goals. Visit www.wlac.edu for more information.
About The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded almost $304 million in scholarships to more than 3,400 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive educational advising, career pathway counseling and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $136 million in grants to organizations that serve such students. To learn more visit jkcf.org.
