As graduation season continues to shine a light on student success stories, one CSN graduate is taking that celebration to the national stage.

Kristen Gibson, a Spring 2025 psychology graduate, has been named a 2025 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholar one of just 90 students selected nationwide from a competitive pool of more than 1,600 applicants. The scholarship is among the most prestigious and generous awards available to community college students seeking to complete a bachelor’s degree.

“It’s an incredible honor,” said Gibson, who credited the support she received at CSN as a key factor in her success. “This college has helped me grow personally and academically, and I hope this recognition shows other students — especially nontraditional students — that it’s possible.”

The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides up to $55,000 per year for up to three years to cover educational costs at a four-year institution. Scholars also receive access to one-on-one advising, career resources, a powerful alumni network, and opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school funding.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation says it received more than 1,600 applications this year and selected 90 students from a semifinalist group of 467. Scholars are chosen based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership, and persistence.

“This year’s cohort reflects the remarkable talent and determination thriving in community colleges nationwide,” said Executive Director Seppy Basili in a press release. “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.”

For Gibson, it’s the next step in a journey fueled by resilience and ambition — and made possible in part by the community she found at CSN.

To learn more about the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship and see the full list of 2025 recipients, visit jkcf.org.