Lynn, MA- April 22, 2020- On April 17, The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced Destin Fernandes, a member of the Class of 2020 at KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate, as one of 50 Cooke College Scholars, and one of two from Massachusetts. Scholars are chosen based on academic ability, leadership, persistence, and service to others. Recipients receive up to $40,000 annually to cover all aspects of their undergraduate education. Cooke College Scholars receive comprehensive educational advising from Foundation staff and connect with a network of nearly 2,700 active scholars and alumni. They also receive opportunities for internships, study abroad, and access to graduate school funding. Destin was chosen from a pool of over 5,400 applicants for this prestigious honor.
Destin Fernandes started at KIPP in eighth grade. At KIPP, he is the co-President of the National Honor Society, does slam poetry with Indigo Society Poets, and is part of the Innocence Project club. Destin also works 30 hours per week at a movie theatre and takes Composition I at North Shore Community College. Destin intends to major in sociology and wants to become a civil rights lawyer or a public defender in the future.
“I was in complete shock when I found out I got the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship,” said Destin. “The Zoom call where they told us took place on one of my few days off of work so it was a great surprise to receive amidst everything going on right now. This scholarship will allow me to go through college without ever having to worry about how I’m going to pay for it so that I can focus on my long term goals and pursue extracurriculars. As a first-generation, low-income student, I will be able to receive an amazing education without my parents ever having to struggle to pay.”
“In these times of great uncertainty, we remain committed to supporting high-achieving students with the financial and academic resources they need to be successful,” said Seppy Basili, Executive Director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “We are very excited to welcome this new class of exceptional students into our community of scholars, and hope that this news brings joy to their families and communities.”
About KIPP Massachusetts
KIPP Massachusetts is part of a non-profit network of college preparatory, public charter schools educating elementary, middle, and high school students. KIPP MA operates five public charter schools across Boston and Lynn, serving more than 2,000 students in grades K-12. KIPP MA has a 15-year track record of preparing students in educationally under-served communities for success in college and life.
About KIPP
KIPP is a non-profit network of college-preparatory public charter schools educating elementary, middle, and high school students. KIPP schools are part of the free public school system and enrollment is open to all students. There are 242 KIPP schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia educating over 100,000 students on their path to and through college, careers, and life. KIPP believes that great teachers and school leaders, a supportive learning environment, and an emphasis on both academics and character are the foundation for student success. KIPP students complete college at a rate that is above the national average for all students and four times higher than that of students from similar economic backgrounds.
About the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded over $200 million in scholarships to over 2,700 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive educational advising and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $110 million in grants to organizations that serve such students.
