The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation launched its application for the undergraduate transfer scholarship, the largest private scholarship in the nation for community college transfer students, including Lehigh Carbon Community College.

This scholarship provides up to $30,000 per year for up to 75 students from a nationwide applicant pool who plan to transfer to top four-year colleges or universities next fall.

Selected students may use the award for tuition, living expenses, books, and other required fees, may pursue any area of study, while having the opportunity to network with the larger Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholar community.

To be eligible, applicants must be current students at accredited U.S. community colleges or two-year institutions with sophomore status or have graduated within the last five years.

They must have a cumulative college grade point average of 3.5 or above, plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to begin studies in the coming fall, and demonstrate unmet financial need.

Selection criteria focus on exceptional academic ability and achievements, financial need, persistence, leadership and a desire to help others.

The first phase of the application cycle runs until Nov. 7.

For more information about the application process and eligibility, go to jkcf. or contact Virginia Mihalik, LCCC transfer counselor and Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Faculty representative, at 610-799-1178 or vmihalik@ lccc.edu.