College Access and Excellence
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation supports research and programs that expand educational access and success for high-achieving, low-income students, with a focus on STEM, college transfer, and advising initiatives.
Funder: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2026
Funding Amounts: Award sizes vary by initiative; past grants range from $500,000 to over $12 million across multi-year programs.
Summary: Supports programs and research expanding educational opportunities for high-achieving, low-income students through partnerships and targeted grants.
Key Information: Typically funds only a limited number of nonprofit organizations; rarely funds unsolicited proposals.
Description
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation's College Access and Excellence initiative aims to expand educational opportunities for exceptionally promising students with financial need across the United States. The Foundation partners with educational leaders and organizations to advance access and success for high-achieving, low-income students. Supported efforts include increasing Indigenous representation in STEM fields, facilitating successful community college transfers to selective four-year institutions, and boosting college enrollment for low-income students through advising programs. The initiative also sponsors research to inform and improve access and outcomes for these student populations.
