ELAC Student Prisma Santiago Named 2025 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
East Los Angeles College (ELAC) is proud to announce that Biology major Prisma Santiago has been named a 2025 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholar. Santiago is one of only 90 recipients selected nationwide from a competitive pool of more than 1,600 applicants, and the sole recipient from ELAC this year.
The prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides up to $55,000 per year for up to three years to complete a bachelor's degree at an accredited four-year undergraduate institution in the United States. This transformative scholarship serves as last-dollar funding after all institutional aid, significantly easing the financial burden of completing a bachelor's degree.
"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."
Santiago, an active participant in both the college's Honors Program and Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), also serves as Vice President of the Chicanos for Community Medicine club. The Honors Program at ELAC offers priority consideration for admission to prestigious universities including UCLA, UC Riverside, UC Irvine, and several other notable institutions.
"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."
While nearly 80% of community college students aspire to earn a bachelor's degree, only 16% reach that goal within six years. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship makes this goal more attainable by providing substantial financial support and comprehensive services. Beyond funding, Scholars receive personalized educational advising from the Foundation's Deans of Scholar Support, who guide them through the transition to a four-year institution and help prepare them for future careers.
"Our Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship represents a lifeline for exceptional community college students to actualize their academic dreams," said Giuseppe "Seppy" Basili, Executive Director of the Cooke Foundation. "This year's finalists exemplify the extraordinary talent found within community colleges across America."
The 90 new Scholars were selected from a semifinalist pool of 467 students from 212 community colleges across 43 states. Applicants were evaluated based on their academic achievement, unmet financial need, persistence, and leadership qualities.
Santiago will join a thriving community of more than 3,400 fellow Cooke Scholars and Alumni who provide mentorship and networking connections throughout their academic and professional lives. Scholars also gain access to transformative opportunities including internships, study abroad experiences, and graduate school funding.
A complete list of the 2025 Cooke Transfer Scholar finalists and their respective community colleges is available here. To learn more about the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, visit the website here.
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.
About East Los Angeles College
East Los Angeles College (ELAC) was established in 1945 and currently serves more than 33,000 students. The college has an international, multicultural student body that complements the 14 communities comprising its primary service area. ELAC is dedicated to supporting students in achieving associate degrees, general education, skill certificates, and personal development. The college ranks second in the nation in terms of Hispanic student transfers to four-year institutions and is the top California degree and certificate producer for this demographic.
