Two Lone Star College-CyFair Students Named Semifinalists for Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship
Two standout students at Lone Star College-CyFair have been selected as semifinalists for the highly competitive Jack Kent Cooke (JKC) Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, one of the most prestigious and generous transfer scholarships in the nation.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation was established in 2000 through the estate of the late Jack Kent Cooke, a Canadian-American entrepreneur and former owner of sports franchises including the Washington Redskins (now named the Washington Commanders), Los Angeles Lakers, and LA Kings. Known for his belief in the power of education, Cooke left the majority of his fortune—nearly $1 billion—to create a foundation that would expand educational opportunities for exceptional students of modest means.
Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $250 million in scholarships to more than 3,000 students and provided $125 million in grants to organizations that support college access and success. The foundation’s mission is rooted in the idea that "talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not", and it continues to be funded through the original endowment established by Cooke’s estate. It remains one of the largest scholarship foundations in the United States focused exclusively on high-achieving, low-income students.
Jaquelyn Galvan, a chemistry major, and Mahmoud Masoud, a computer science major, are among the 467 semifinalists chosen from a pool of more than 1,600 applicants nationwide. Their recognition also places Lone Star College (LSC) at the top of the list nationally, with 19 semifinalists—more than any other college in Texas or the United States.
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Awarded by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides up to $55,000 per yearfor two to three years. This funding supports high-achieving community college students with financial need as they transfer to and complete degrees at four-year institutions.
For Galvan, the scholarship could be transformative. Not only would it ease the financial burden of higher education, but it would also honor the sacrifices of her family—especially her mother, whom she described as her role model.
“Such a prestigious scholarship would not only relieve financial strain in continuing her education, but would mean all the family’s sacrifices were worth it,” Galvan said, adding that her mother has always viewed education as a “fundamentally rewarding investment in life.”
Galvan plans to transfer to Rice University, attend dental school, and become an orthodontist. Her long-term vision includes offering free or reduced-cost surgeries to children with cleft lips and other craniofacial conditions across the globe.
“Knowing that my future career could make people gain confidence in themselves and I would get to make people smile every day is one I knew would be the most rewarding for me in the health field,” she said.
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Masoud, who also hopes to continue his education at Rice University, aims to specialize in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications in scientific research, particularly energy storage and sustainability. His goals include creating AI-driven solutions that promote environmental responsibility and social justice.
“I plan to specialize in AI-driven solutions for scientific research, particularly in energy storage and sustainability. Additionally, I am deeply committed to leveraging technology and entrepreneurship to advocate for social justice,” Masoud said.
With family still living in Jordan and Palestine, Masoud is also motivated to represent marginalized Muslim communities and to “create impactful innovations to drive meaningful changes.”
The financial support from the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, Masoud said, would allow him to focus on his research and academic goals without the added pressure of student debt.
“This scholarship would accelerate my goals of advancing AI technology for energy storage solutions and addressing pressing environmental challenges,” he said.
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As college tuition costs continue to rise, scholarships like the JKC offer essential support. According to the College Board, the average published tuition and fees for in-state students at public four-year institutions increased by more than 10% over the past decade, not accounting for room, board, and additional expenses. For many community college students, transferring to a prestigious university often presents a significant financial hurdle—one that this scholarship helps to overcome.
Since 2012, LSC-CyFair has produced five Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship recipients. Finalists for the 2025 scholarship will be announced in April.
For students like Galvan and Masoud, being named a semifinalist is more than recognition—it’s a step toward educational opportunity, financial freedom, and long-term impact through their future careers.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
