FROM STAFF REPORTS

Chelsea native Marwa Elgazzar has been recognized with a prestigious award from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation-—a leading scholarship and grantmaking organization—to pursue graduate studies at George Washington University.

Each Cooke Graduate Scholarship recipient is eligible to receive up to $75,000 total for up to four years.

The Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports high-achieving students with financial need, on Dec. 18 announced the award of about $7 million to 82 students who have recently begun to graduate programs at some of the most highly selective institutions in the United States and United Kingdom.

With average tuition topping more than $40,000 for private colleges and universities, graduate school is often beyond the economic reach of students with financial need. However, research suggests that graduate school can fuel profound increases in lifetime earnings, in relation to graduates that obtain a college degree alone.

“Even students who excel to and through college often face financial roadblocks on the path to graduate studies,” said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “These scholars are poised to make an impact in fields from art to medicine in ways that will transform our lives and society. Cooke Scholars share a remarkable focus on solving pressing issues, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s recipients will accomplish.”

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded $190 million in scholarships to nearly 2,500 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive counseling and other support services.

The Foundation has also provided over $100 million in grants to organizations that serve such students.

For more information, visit JKCF.org.