Press contact: Kyla Kruse
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College student Samantha Ulm of Auburn has been named one of 485 semifinalists in the nation for the 2026 Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.
Selected from a pool of more than 1,300 applicants, this year’s semifinalists represent 224 community colleges across 37 states. Each was chosen through an evaluation process that assesses academic ability and achievement, perseverance and leadership.
The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship enables recipients to complete their bachelor’s degrees debt-free at any accredited four-year college or university in the United States and provides last-dollar funding of up to $55,000 per year for two to three years. The award is designed to remove financial barriers so that high-achieving community college students can transfer to and thrive at the nation’s top institutions.
The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides comprehensive support that extends beyond financial assistance, recognizing that admission and enrollment are only the beginning. Selected Cooke Transfer Scholars receive personalized educational advising from the Foundation’s Deans of Scholar Support, who guide them through the transition to a four-year institution and help prepare them for future careers. Scholars also gain access to transformative opportunities including internships, study abroad experiences and graduate school funding, as well as inclusion in a thriving community of more than 3,800 fellow Cooke Scholars and Alumni who provide mentorship and networking connections throughout their academic and professional lives.
"Samantha is a truly exemplary scholar and student leader. In addition to being an active member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Samantha also serves as the Honors Club president,” said Dr. Gillian Bauer, LLCC professor of English and PTK advisor. “We are thrilled with her selection as a Cooke Scholar semi-finalist, a well-deserved honor that recognizes her contribution to the LLCC community."
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation will announce the 2026 Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholars in May.