BMCC Computer Science Major Dan Lin Awarded Highly Competitive Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has selected Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) Computer Science major Dan Lin for its highly competitive 2024 Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Lin, who plans to attend Columbia University, is one of just 60 winners from across the United States to be chosen for the award.

Lin is also the only CUNY student to win this year’s transfer scholarship and one of just three winners from all of New York State’s community colleges. Since 2012, BMCC has produced seven Cooke Undergraduate Transfer scholars.

The highly competitive Jack Kent Cooke Foundation national transfer 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 Lin with as much as $55,000 per year to complete her bachelor’s degree.

“We’re proud of the selection of BMCC’s Dan Lin as one of only 60 recipients of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s 2024 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “Dan reflects the highest aspirations of CUNY’s seven transformative community colleges and their talented, hard-working students. We congratulate Dan and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. CUNY thanks the Cooke Foundation for recognizing her achievements and exceptional promise.”

BMCC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe and Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Marva Craig surprised Lin with the news she’d won the award during an unrelated college scholarship reception.

“On behalf of BMCC, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Dan Lin on this amazing achievement, whose hard work, perseverance, and resilience earned her this esteemed scholarship award,” said Dr. Munroe. “It is a testament to the exceptional potential and promise she possesses. Dan Lin serves as a shining example of what can be accomplished when passion meets opportunity.”

As Lin continues her academic journey, BMCC extends its full support and admiration, the President said.

“We are confident she will climb extraordinary heights and continue to make us proud,” said Dr. Munroe. “We thank her for being an inspiration for us all and eagerly anticipate witnessing her continued success and celebrating her future achievements.”

Vice President Craig said the College is thrilled to see Lin achieve this remarkable honor.

“At BMCC, we are immensely proud and excited when our students’ hard work and dedication are rewarded with opportunities to take their education to the next level,” said Dr. Craig. “This prestigious scholarship is a testament to our student’s exceptional achievements and perfectly aligns with the college’s motto, Start Here. Go Anywhere.”

From China to New York City for a Better Life

At age 11, Lin and her mother moved to New York City from China in search of a better life, she said. The Brooklyn resident knew she wanted to attend college but her family could not afford tuition.

“I successfully secured TheDream.US scholarship to support myself and attend BMCC without a financial burden,” said Lin, who also received the BMCC Out in Two scholarship. “Hearing the news about the Jack Kent Cooke transfer scholarship for my four-year degree is a dream come true for me.”

At BMCC, she was also a senator as well as Vice President of the Student Government Association, and a peer leader in the Reimagining My Community Program.

When not in class or meetings at BMCC, Lin volunteers as a tutor at a local community center teaching English and Math to children. She has also volunteered her website developer skills at a newly started non-profit organization that seeks to encourage children to study Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

Lin says she is most interested in the field of machine learning and data analysis.

“I’m still exploring more possibilities for my career but I’ll definitely stay in the tech industry because I think technology is very powerful in our current society,” said Lin.

According to Community College Research Center research, transfer pathways from community colleges are a significant contributor to enrollment and diversity at four-year institutions. However, a lack of scholarship opportunities for transfer students, as well as other obstacles like losing credits during the transfer process, continue to keep bachelor’s degree completion rates low.

Community college students remain far too underrepresented at the nation’s top institutions despite clear research showing their success once they arrive, according to the Cooke Foundation.

“Our scholarship is one way we aim to ensure that high-achieving students have the opportunity to complete their degree where they want, regardless of their financial background,” said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Cooke Foundation.

In addition to the financial support, Cooke Transfer Scholars receive comprehensive educational advising which is crucial for navigating their transition to four-year colleges and planning their career paths. Cooke Scholars also benefit from access to internship opportunities, study abroad and graduate school funding, as well as a dynamic network of over 3,300 Cooke Scholars and Alumni.

Applicants were evaluated on their academic prowess, financial need, persistence, community service, and leadership qualities. A complete list of the 2024 Cooke Transfer Scholars and their respective community colleges is available here.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need according to the Foundation’s website. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded almost $282 million in scholarships to more than 3,300 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive educational advising and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $133 million in grants to organizations that serve such students.