Cerritos College students win prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship
Cerritos College students, Benjamin Lee and Sharlize Lemus, were awarded the Jack
Kent Cooke Foundation’s 2025 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, one of the most competitive
private scholarships in the nation. They are among just 90 students selected from
over 1,600 community college applicants nationwide.
The scholarship provides up to $55,000 annually per student to support the completion of a bachelor’s degree. It removes financial barriers and opens doors to continued academic and professional achievement.
Benjamin Lee, a computer science major and campus math tutor, found purpose in helping others succeed. His work with students from diverse backgrounds shaped his own growth as a problem solver and leader. He will transfer to UC Berkeley this fall, with aspirations of joining the Google Brain research team to advance ethical, human-centered AI innovation.
Sharlize Lemus, a mechanical engineering major, will transfer to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and plans to pursue a master’s in aerospace engineering. Her dream is to become a test engineer for an aircraft or electric vehicle manufacturer. This summer, she will participate in UCLA’s Engineering Pathways program, gaining valuable hands-on experience through an internship aligned with her career path.
“It's inspiring to see Sharlize and Benjamin recognized with this award, as they embody the very best of Cerritos College,” said Dr. Michael Page, Dean of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. “Their academic excellence is matched by their leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.”
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is the largest private scholarship in the U.S. for community college students. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded over $304 million in scholarships to more than 3,400 high-achieving students with financial need.
As Benjamin and Sharlize take the next step in their academic journeys, they carry the pride of the Falcon community with them. Their success reflects the strength, resilience, and determination of Cerritos College students—and the transformative power of a college that invests in every student’s potential. Their stories are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity and a community that believes in its students’ success.
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