Northampton Community College student Kayla Valenti has a dream of becoming a forensic pathologist, but she knows she has lots of years of study ahead of her, and potentially a huge debt to pay off after she graduates. Those are some of the motivations that led her to apply for one of the prestigious Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarships, which are awarded competitively each year to high-achieving community college students planning to transfer to some of the top four-year institutions to complete their bachelor’s degrees.

Expecting to graduate from NCC in May, Valenti filled out applications and wrote multiple essays to demonstrate her qualifications for the transfer scholarships. It proved to be well worth the effort. She is now a semifinalist vying to become one of 50 or so finalists who will be awarded scholarships of up to $40,000 per year for up to three years. She was chosen from a pool of nearly 1.500 applicants attending 369 schools in 45 states and the District of Columbia. Finalists will be announced in April.

For Valenti, who grew up in Bethlehem and graduated from Liberty HS in 2017, there’s more at stake than just the scholarship money. Being selected as a finalist, she said, would definitely enhance her chances of getting into an Ivy League college.

“It would also help students see that is beneficial to start [their studies] at a community college,” she added.

Cooke Transfer Scholars are selected based on exceptional academic ability and achievement, financial need, persistence, service to others and leadership. Asked what

special qualifications she has to meet those standards, Valenti replied that she is very invested in her courses, is working two jobs, and is involved in honors leadership programs.

Those two jobs include private child care and standing in as cheerleading coach for a middle school and a recreational team. In her spare time, she helps care for her 9-year-old niece, Angelina.

“She has no strong female presence to be there for her, and no siblings,” Valenti explained. “I want to be a role model for her.”

The big question is why does Valenti want to become a forensic pathologist? It’s not because of the TV shows, she insists.

“I like to unravel mysteries and help people come to answers.”