BASIS Washington D.C. and BASIS San Antonio – Shavano are proud to announce that two outstanding students have been named semifinalists for the 2026 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program, one of the most selective undergraduate scholarships in the nation.
This year, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation selected 568 high-achieving high school seniors from over 4,100 U.S. high schools across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories, including American Samoa, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, to advance to semifinalist status.
Saron D., BASIS Washington D.C. and Vedansh M., BASIS San Antonio Shavano join a national cohort selected for extraordinary academic performance, leadership, determination, and service. Semifinalists will now advance to the next review stage, with finalists announced in the spring.
TThe Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship supports students with both high academic achievement and demonstrated financial need, offering up to $55,000 per year in funding, making it one of the most substantial private undergraduate scholarships available in the United States. In addition to financial support, Cooke Scholars receive personalized college planning support, ongoing advising and mentoring, and access to a national network of scholars and alumni.
“Being named a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation semifinalist is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and commitment to service that Saron and Vedansh have demonstrated throughout their academic careers,” said Julia Cottle, director of college counseling at BASIS Ed. “We are proud to celebrate their remarkable achievements and support them as they pursue ambitious educational goals.”
Over the Foundation’s 25+ year history, it has committed more than $332 million in scholarships to nearly 3,900 students, expanding educational equity, and opportunity for talented students from all backgrounds.
About BASIS Charter Schools
BASIS Charter Schools offer a nationally acclaimed, rigorous liberal arts and STEM-focused education. With campuses across multiple states and a history of preparing students for top colleges and careers, BASIS emphasizes intellectual curiosity, civic responsibility, and global citizenship.
