SUNY Westchester Student Awarded a National Community College Transfer Scholarship

Valhalla, NY (May 12, 2026) – Ashley Cozayatl, a student at SUNY Westchester Community College, is one of 60 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 education with as little debt as possible. The award, which is last dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide Ashley with as much as $55,000 a year to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Ashley is a first-generation Peruvian and Mexican-American student who will be graduating from SUNY WCC’s Honors College, where she managed her academics while working two jobs. She also served in leadership roles in several on-campus organizations. In addition to being awarded the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, she received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence and was named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team. In the fall, Ashley will attend New York University on a pre-law track, with plans to attend law school and pursue a career in law.

“I am extremely grateful to the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation for this amazing, life-changing scholarship,” said Ashley Cozayatl. “I attended SUNY WCC in large part due to its low tuition and the support of the Honors College. The opportunities and experiences I had at SUNY WCC helped me grow academically, professionally and personally. I am leaving with far more than a degree. I am leaving with growth, experiences, and memories that I will carry with me long after graduation.”

“SUNY Westchester students continue to demonstrate extraordinary talent, determination, and leadership,” said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, President of SUNY Westchester Community College. “Ashley’s achievements reflect her remarkable work ethic, resilience, and commitment to excellence. We are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and excited to see the impact she will make in the future.”

The Cooke Foundation is committed to expanding access to high-quality, debt-free pathways for high-achieving students with financial need. 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 aims to help more students persist and complete their degrees by reducing financial barriers and providing the academic and advising support needed to navigate the transfer process.

“These Scholars reflect the depth of talent and determination found in community colleges across the country,” said Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, Chief Executive Officer of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.

“They’ve demonstrated what they’re capable of, and we’re proud to help ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent them from continuing their education and realizing their full potential.”

Beyond financial support, Scholars receive personalized advising to guide their academic and professional journeys. They 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 the tools needed to thrive beyond community college.

This year’s selection process drew more than 1,300 applications from community colleges across the country. The 60 new Scholars were selected from a semifinalist pool of 485 students. Applicants were evaluated based on academic achievement, perseverance, and leadership.

A complete list of the 2026 Cooke Transfer Scholar finalists and their respective community colleges can be found here. To learn more about the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, visit the website here.

About SUNY Westchester Community College

SUNY Westchester Community College provides over 20,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The College offers more than 65 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in high-demand fields such as Cybersecurity, Health Information Technology, Respiratory Therapy, and Digital Filmmaking. Reflecting the rich diversity of its region, SUNY WCC was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.