South Seattle College Student Selected for Highly Competitive National Scholarship
Yosef Birri, a South Seattle College student graduating with his associate degree in computer science, is one of 60 community college students from across the nation selected by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation for the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.
Scholarship recipients get up to $55,000 per year to help pay for their final two years of undergraduate study after transferring to a four-year university, comprehensive advising support through the Cooke Transfer Scholars program, and access to internships opportunities and networking.
Nearly 1,700 community college students applied for the scholarship from over 380 different colleges. Applicated were evaluated on their academic prowess, financial need and leadership qualities.
Yosef, who will be celebrated along with the rest of the class of 2024 at T-Mobile Park on June 21, will be transferring to the University of Washington to study informatics.
We had an opportunity to ask Yosef some questions about his time at South, the impact of receiving the Cooke Scholarship, and his future plans. The below interview is slightly edited for brevity and clarity.
How did you decide to come to South Seattle College?
When I moved from Ethiopia two years ago, I knew that I had to start my education right away. And after a few weeks of research and suggestions from close friends who mentioned that it is a great college with good faculty, I decided to study at South.
How did you decide to apply for the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship and would you like to thank anyone for supporting you?
Applying for any scholarships was not my focus at the time. However, different professors and staff members at the TRIO Student Success Services program suggested that I apply for different scholarships. I was fortunate enough to win several, which helped cover all my college tuition at South.
It was my professor and mentor, Lawrence (Larry) Angel, who nominated me to apply for the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship. He not only recommended the scholarship but also helped me through the application process and assisted me with anything I needed. First and foremost, I would like to thank God for always paving my way. Next I would like to thank Larry for his support throughout the process, Ernesto Chacon from TRIO who has also been a great support throughout my stay at South, Dana Culhane, a former recipient of the award who has shared some supporting thoughts, and my family for the great support.
What are your transfer plans after leaving South, and how will the JKC Scholarship support your plans?
After leaving South, I intend to study and earn a bachelor's degree in informatics from the University of Washington. The Jack Kent Cooke scholarship will not only be a great opportunity to help me graduate with as little debt as possible, but also provide me with a chance to participate in a study abroad program back to my country to do research on empowerment of people through training to access digital information and many more research opportunities without worry. The personal advising provided by the scholarship will also be a great resource to navigate through any of my future endeavors in college.
How has your education at South prepared you for your transfer to a four-year institution?
My time at South has equipped me with the skillset and support needed to go on to my next stage in my life, thanks to the amazing faculty and staff members. I am so thankful to have been a part of such a wonderful environment where everybody wishes for your success.
How have your family and friends reacted to the news that you got this big nationwide scholarship?
Everybody who heard the big news were very excited, but my mother’s reaction stood out to me as she had said that “Of course you were going to get the scholarship.” She has always believed in me and told me that do whatever it is that I can, and God will do the rest whenever I doubt myself.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for supporting your academic journey?
I would like to thank God, my mother, my siblings, especially my brother Amanuel for the support he has shown me throughout my stay at South, and also my great friend Boni who has been such a wonderful support for my academic success.
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
I would like to congratulate all 2024 graduates and the other Jack Kent Cooke scholars. Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to South Seattle College for the welcoming environment for immigrant students just like myself.
Congratulations, Yosef!