Karen Marin

When Karen Marin received the email announcing she had been named a semifinalist for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, she was standing in line outside the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. in February 2026.

She had traveled there with the Associated Students of Río Hondo College, preparing to tour the historic landmark, when the notification arrived. In that moment, surrounded by fellow student leaders and just steps away from the heart of American government, Karen realized her hard work had earned national recognition.

The Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is considered one of the most prestigious awards for community college students in the United States. Each year, thousands of students apply nationwide, and only a small percentage advance to the semifinalist stage. From that highly competitive group, an even smaller number are selected to receive the scholarship, which can provide up to $55,000 per year to cover tuition, books, living expenses and other educational costs while completing a bachelor’s degree

“I was very happy, very elated,” Karen said. “I knew how competitive the scholarship was, so being named a semifinalist meant a lot to me.”

At just 18 years of age, Karen is already on an accelerated path toward her future. A political science major and first-generation college student, she began her journey long before stepping onto campus as a full-time student. Her connection to Río Hondo College started during her freshman year at Pioneer High School through the Dual Enrollment program, which allows students to take college-level courses while still in high school.

Encouraged by her high school counselor in the school’s Expanded Horizons program, Karen enrolled in her first college class and quickly realized the opportunity could change her future.

“Taking dual enrollment classes helped me see what was possible,” she said. “By the time I graduated from high school, I already had a head start. When I came to Río, I realized I could graduate in just one year.”

That determination, combined with strong academic performance and campus involvement, positioned Karen for success. She became an Honors Program student, joined the Associated Students of Río Hondo College and competed on the college’s Mock Trial team, where she developed critical thinking, public speaking and leadership skills.

Throughout her journey, Karen found support from faculty and staff who believed in her potential.

Political science professor Connie Isais played a key role in her development, along with professors Juana Mora and Daniel Osman, who later wrote letters of recommendation supporting her scholarship application. Honors counselor David Tieu helped her map out an academic plan that kept her on track to graduate early and prepare for transfer.

“The support I’ve received has made a huge difference,” Karen said. “My professors and counselors helped guide me and encouraged me to keep pushing forward.”

Karen’s academic drive is rooted in a deep sense of purpose. Growing up in a low-income household, she witnessed firsthand the challenges many families face when navigating complex systems and limited resources. Those experiences shaped her passion for advocacy and public service.

“I’ve grown up around immigrants and women who have faced disadvantages,” she said. “That’s why I want to become an immigration and civil rights attorney. I want to help people and make sure their voices are heard.”

Her parents, who did not have the opportunity to complete their education, have remained her strongest supporters throughout her journey.

“They always told me, ‘No one is better than you, but you’re not better than anyone,’” Karen said. “They taught me not to compare myself to others and to focus on my own progress.”

With the support of the Río Promise program and financial aid, Karen was able to pursue her education without the burden of overwhelming costs. Now, as she prepares to graduate and transfer this spring, she is setting her sights on top universities, including the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Chicago.

Being named a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship represents more than an academic milestone. For Karen and her family, it is a symbol of possibility.

“Receiving this scholarship would mean everything,” she said. “It would help me continue my education and move closer to achieving my goals.”

As she prepares for the next chapter of her academic journey, Karen hopes her story will inspire other students to believe in their potential and take advantage of opportunities available to them.

“Education is a powerful tool,” she said. “Keep pushing forward and stay focused on your goals.”

With determination, resilience and a passion for service, Karen Marin is proving that big dreams can begin with a single opportunity and that the path to success can start right here. Karen’s journey shows what is possible with hard work, support and opportunity. You too can be a success story. Take the first step by enrolling in a class this summer.