Two students from Community College of Baltimore County have earned one of the nation’s most prestigious scholarships for community college students, placing them among an elite group of scholars recognized for academic excellence, perseverance, and leadership.

Celina De Caul and Sanjana Gaddam were selected by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation as recipients of the 2026 Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The highly competitive award supports outstanding community college students as they pursue bachelor’s degrees at four-year colleges and universities across the country.

The two CCBC students were selected from a national pool of approximately 1,300 applicants, with only 60 students nationwide receiving the scholarship this year. De Caul and Gaddam were also the only community college students in Maryland selected for the honor.

The scholarship provides up to $55,000 per year for up to three years, helping students complete their undergraduate education debt-free at accredited four-year institutions. In addition to financial support, scholars receive mentorship, academic advising, networking opportunities, and access to internships, study abroad experiences, and graduate school funding.

De Caul, a chemistry major from Stafford, Virginia, plans to pursue a career as a neonatal and fetal surgeon. Gaddam, a general studies major from Owings Mills, Maryland, intends to attend law school after completing her undergraduate studies at Georgetown University.

Both students are members of the CCBC Honors College, a program designed to support academically talented and highly motivated students as they complete associate degrees and prepare to transfer to four-year institutions. The Honors College provides mentoring, transfer advising, undergraduate research opportunities, service-learning experiences, and study abroad opportunities to help students succeed both academically and personally.

The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is widely regarded as one of the most significant scholarships available to community college students in the United States because it focuses not only on academic achievement, but also on persistence, leadership, and financial need.

“These Scholars reflect the depth of talent and determination found in community colleges across the country,” said Giuseppe Basili. “They’ve demonstrated what they’re capable of, and we’re proud to help ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent them from continuing their education and realizing their full potential.”

CCBC officials celebrated the achievement as a reflection of the institution’s commitment to student success and academic excellence.

Five CCBC students advanced to the semifinalist round of the competition this year, underscoring the strength of the college’s academic programs and student support systems.

The Cooke Foundation’s scholar network now includes more than 3,800 alumni and current scholars nationwide, creating a powerful community of mentorship and opportunity for future leaders across multiple fields.

For more information about the scholarship program, visit The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.