A Northwest College sophomore is the lone Wyoming semifinalist for a highly competitive scholarship that allows students a chance to attend any four-year program they can get into.

Abbie Stucki, a Powell native who grew up in Riverton, said the last-dollar scholarship, which funds whatever other scholarships haven’t up to $55,000 per year, will help in achieving future goals.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced 467 semifinalists last week for its highly competitive Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This scholarship aims to help community college students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, leadership, and service transfer to top four-year institutions and avoid student debt.

“Being a semifinalist for this scholarship means a lot to me,” Stucki said. “As a high-achieving student from a low-income family, I’ve worked hard in high school and college to apply for any and all scholarships so that I can afford to continue my studies. Scholarships have been vital to my success in my studies thus far, and achieving this scholarship would be an incredible source of support for my future goals.”

Stucki graduated from Riverton High School wanting to start at a community college, and was drawn to NWC due to having extended family in Powell and a love for the college’s music program.

“I have loved my time in Powell,” Stucki said. “I’m pretty lucky to have my sister as my roommate this year, and that’s been super fun! Powell’s small-town feel and the tight-knit community in my classes (especially in the music department) have helped me succeed here and set me up for success in my future academic endeavors. I’ve met some fantastic people here, and I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned to my university program.”

The sophomore is graduating from NWC this spring with an associates degree in psychology and is planning to transfer to a four-year college for a bachelor’s in musical therapy.

“Right now, I’m deciding between a few different universities,” Stucki said. “After I get my bachelor’s and certification as a music therapist, I’ll either start practicing with clients or continue my studies for a master’s in music therapy.”

The 467 semifinalists for the scholarship were chosen from a pool of more than 1,600 applicants who attend 212 community colleges in 43 states. The rigorous selection process assesses candidates on their exceptional academic ability and achievement, demonstrated financial need, perseverance and leadership.

The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides comprehensive support that extends far beyond financial assistance, recognizing that admission and enrollment are only the beginning. This scholarship is designed to help students not only reach college but successfully navigate and complete their journey.

Selected Cooke Transfer Scholars receive personalized educational advising from the Foundation’s Deans of Scholar Support, who guide them through the transition to a four-year institution and help prepare them for future careers.

Scholars also gain access to transformative opportunities including internships, study abroad experiences, and graduate school funding, as well as inclusion in a thriving community of more than 3,400 fellow Cooke Scholars and Alumni who provide mentorship and networking connections throughout their academic and professional lives.