Clatsop Community College is proud to announce that Emily Bates and Jessica Bahl have been selected as semifinalists for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Out of more than 1,600 applicants nationwide, Bates and Bahl are among 467 students chosen for this highly competitive award. Seven semifinalists from Oregon were selected, with Clatsop Community College contributing two of them.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides up to $55,000 per year to community college students to help them continue their education at a four-year accredited institution. The scholarship recognizes outstanding students who have shown a commitment to academic success, demonstrated resilience, and have clear goals for their future.
Emily Bates, who will graduate with her associate’s degree this June, plans to transfer to the University of Oregon to pursue data science. Reflecting on her academic journey, Emily shared how receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult helped her understand her past struggles with education. “Growing up, I had a rocky relationship with education. I could never stay focused in class, rarely finished my homework on time, and had a massive amount of anxiety,” Emily said. “When I received an ADHD diagnosis as an adult, it completely changed my life and helped me realize that I had grown up in an education system that wasn’t built for me.”
After managing her ADHD symptoms, Emily enrolled in college at age 28. She quickly discovered a love for math and problem-solving, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA during her first year at CCC. “I challenged myself to make the most of my college experience,” she said, taking leadership roles as ASG Vice-President, PTK Honor Society President, and President of the Fiber Arts Club, all while working at Fort George Brewery. Emily also shared, “Instead of looking back on the road here with shame, I look back on it with pride. I’m proud of the work I put in.”
Jessica Bahl, who also maintains a 4.0 GPA, has overcome significant personal challenges and returned to school in 2024 with a renewed sense of purpose. Elected as an ASG officer, inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, and winning first place in graphic design illustration, Jessica has demonstrated resilience and a commitment to her education. She plans to transfer to Portland State University’s Honors College to pursue a BFA in Graphic Design.
Reflecting on her journey, Jessica shared, “While my path hasn’t been easy, I’ve learned that learning isn’t linear. It happens through the risks we take, the skills we teach ourselves, and the resilience we build along the way.” Jessica credits her perseverance with allowing her to come back to school and achieve academic success. “I am committed to using my education not only to elevate my own path but to contribute to the community that has shaped these very values.”
Clatsop Community College President Jarrod Hogue expressed pride in Emily and Jessica’s accomplishments, noting, “We are thrilled that Emily and Jessica have been recognized as semifinalists for this prestigious scholarship. Their hard work, perseverance, and leadership exemplify the best of what our students strive for at Clatsop Community College.”
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides recipients with the financial support necessary to pursue their bachelor’s degree without the burden of student debt. Scholarship recipients will be announced in May.
For more information on the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, visit www.jkcf.org.
