Temya Jackson Long, a student at GateWay Community College is one of 60 high-achieving community college students from across the country selected to receive the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, and the only student in Arizona to win this prestigious award! The highly-competitive national scholarship aims for Cooke Scholars to complete their undergraduate educations with as little debt as possible.
Long, a Phoenix, Ariz. native, is graduating from GateWay this week with her Associate of Science in Engineering. She will transfer to the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering at Arizona State University and study Biomedical Engineering. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, which is last dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide Long with as much as $55,000 a year to complete a bachelor’s degree.
The Cooke Foundation is committed to expanding access to high-quality, debt-free pathways for high-achieving students with financial need. While nearly 80% of community college students aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, only 16% reach that goal within six years. This scholarship aims to help more students persist and complete their degrees by reducing financial barriers and providing the academic and advising support needed to navigate the transfer process.
“Winning is more than relief from the financial burden of pursuing my bachelor's degree,” said Long. “It represents my perseverance, hardships, and goals being recognized on a level I never imagined. There were times this year where I thought all of my upward growth was going to plummet, but this opportunity has given me the opportunity and hope to continue growing, pursuing research where I can create a meaningful impact for my community through science and innovation.”
Beyond financial support, Scholars receive personalized advising to guide their academic and professional journeys. They also gain access to a nationwide network of more than 3,400 Cooke Scholars and Alumni, along with opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school support, ensuring they have the tools needed to thrive beyond community college.
Long was a very involved student at GateWay. Her Phi Theta Kappa advisor, Kim Chamberlain, was proud to work with her through her journey. "Sometimes, as a professor, we get to witness the exceptional success of a high-achieving student,” said Chamberlain “It's always an honor, and in Temya's case, she's connected so deeply across the Maricopa District and at our college. Temya has served as the student representative to our Governing Board, she's joined many clubs, and leadership organizations at GWCC; she's won many awards, and as a professor who has felt the joy of watching her grow in the classroom, it's been special for me to be a very small part of her college experience.”
This summer, Long plans to intern at Phillips Medisize as a full-time Quality Engineering Intern before continuing her education at Arizona State University. She gives this advice to future GateWay students: “Maximize your time and opportunities here. Don’t just go to class and go home. Although it may be hard at first, there are spaces that will be for you and can help you grow in your pursuit of education and career. Think, reflect, create.”
Congratulations, Temya!
