Roselle Student Among Semifinalists for Prestigious Transfer Scholarship

Three Union County students selected as semifinalists for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:36pm

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Three students from UCNJ Union College in Union County, New Jersey, including one from Roselle, have been selected as semifinalists for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation (JKCF) Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The highly competitive award provides up to $55,000 per year for up to three years to support recipients in completing their bachelor's degrees.

Why it matters

The JKCF Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to community college students looking to complete their bachelor's degrees. Being selected as a semifinalist is a significant achievement that can open doors to educational and career opportunities.

The details

The three Union County semifinalists are Libni Vizcaino from Roselle, Katherine Joval from Elizabeth, and Sabrina Da Silva from Roselle Park. To qualify, students must have a GPA of at least 3.5, demonstrate exceptional academic ability and leadership, and show financial need. Finalists will receive not only the financial award, but also educational advising, internship opportunities, study abroad experiences, and connections to a network of fellow Cooke scholars.

  • The finalists for the JKCF Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship are expected to be announced in May 2026.

The players

Libni Vizcaino

A student at UCNJ Union College in Roselle, New Jersey, who has been selected as a semifinalist for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.

Katherine Joval

A student at UCNJ Union College in Elizabeth, New Jersey, who has been selected as a semifinalist for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.

Sabrina Da Silva

A student at UCNJ Union College in Roselle Park, New Jersey, who has been selected as a semifinalist for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.

Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin

The president of UCNJ Union College, who congratulated the semifinalists and expressed pride in their achievements.

Giuseppe "Seppy" Basili

The executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, who underscored the significance of the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship in providing opportunities for exceptional community college students.

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What they’re saying

“On behalf of the UCNJ community, I congratulate Sabrina, Katherine, and Libni for being recognized as semifinalists for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Transfer Scholarship. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing them advance in their academic and professional careers. UCNJ remains committed to providing students with the support and opportunities they need to accomplish their dreams.”

— Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin, President, UCNJ Union College

“Through the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation works to ensure that exceptional community college students have the opportunities to reach their full academic potential.”

— Giuseppe "Seppy" Basili, Executive Director, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

What’s next

The finalists for the JKCF Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship are expected to be announced in May 2026.

The takeaway

This recognition of three Union County community college students as semifinalists for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship highlights the academic excellence and leadership potential of these individuals, and the commitment of UCNJ Union College to supporting its students in achieving their educational and career goals.