Mosab Abdalla, a 20-year-old student at Community College of Denver (CCD), is one of 90 high-achieving community college students selected to receive the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The highly competitive national scholarship aims for Cooke Scholars to complete their undergraduate educations with as little debt as possible. The award, which is last dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide as much as $55,000 a year for three years to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Mosab Abdalla immigrated from Sudan with his parents and three siblings as a permanent resident in December 2023. As the oldest of three, Mosab is setting a great example of what to do, academically speaking. The biology major has been accepted to Vanderbilt University as well as waitlisted at Standford University and plans to transfer before completing his Associate of Science degree at CCD. Mosab intends to pursue pre-med with the goal of becoming a medical doctor. 

Mosab was rather surprised upon learning he was a recipient. “Two years ago, I couldn't have imagined this. My goals were much more modest two years ago and I expected to attend a state school. I ended up in a top 20 school! I also felt my future got secured. I always had the worry that I would not be able to finish my degree. I felt genuinely very satisfied and comfortable,” said Mosab Abdalla. With a little research, hard work, and support from campus faculty representative, Courtenay Avant, his end goal is within reach.

“This is an extraordinary recognition of Mosab’s academic talent, leadership, and commitment to his future,” commented Dr. Marielena DeSanctis, President of Community College of Denver. “His achievement reflects not only his hard work but the dedication of CCD’s faculty and staff who support students in reaching their highest potential.”

The 2025 cohort marks one of the largest in the Foundation’s 25-year history, reinforcing its continued commitment to creating debt-free pathways to higher education for high-achieving students with financial need. The Foundation received over 1,600 applicants this year. The 90 new Scholars were selected from a semifinalist pool of 467 students. Applicants were evaluated based on their academic achievement, unmet financial need, persistence, and leadership qualities.

“This year’s cohort reflects the remarkable talent and determination thriving in community colleges nationwide,” said Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, Executive Director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “As we mark 25 years of impact, we remain committed to amplifying the successes of these students and opening doors to the opportunities they deserve.”

Beyond funding, Scholars receive personalized advising to guide their academic and professional journeys. Scholars also gain access to a nationwide network of more than 3,400 Cooke Scholars and Alumni, along with opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school support – ensuring they have every tool needed to thrive beyond community college.

About Community College of Denver

Community College of Denver (CCD) is a fully accredited leading Colorado community college. CCD was voted Colorado’s Best Community College in the Denver Metro area by The Colorado Sun readers. CCD is recognized for graduating students with less debt and its guaranteed transfer agreements with all Colorado state colleges and universities. The college also leads with innovative on-campus and online certificate and degree programs. CCD provides a no-tuition high school diploma program to help students start on their path of choice. To learn more about CCD and its programs, resources, industry partnerships and foundation giving, visit ccd.edu.

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. www.jkcf.org