Two CCP Students Awarded Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

This month, Community College of Philadelphia announced that two students were awarded the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, a prestigious award that provides last dollar funding to community college students pursuing bachelor’s degrees at four-year colleges or universities. In recent memory, this is the first time that CCP has had two students chosen for this opportunity in a single year. Kamal Rhodes and Olivia Schade were recently surprised with the news, congratulated by their faculty, staff, friends and of course, Roary.

Kamal is pursuing a degree in Architecture at CCP and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society (PTK). He is also the recipient of the Hayward L. Bell and the Joseph and Marie Field Foundation Opportunity scholarships, in addition to now being a Cooke Scholar. Kamal plans to transfer to Temple University to continue studying architecture. He is particularly interested in enrolling in their accelerated 4+2 Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and Master of Architecture dual degree program so he can move quickly to graduate with a master’s degree. Kamal’s long-term goal is to become a licensed architect and to eventually own an architecture firm of his own, using his knowledge to invest in real estate development opportunities. In addition, Kamal owns a catering business, BBQ Clubhouse, which he founded during the pandemic after learning the trade from his father.

"I’m living proof that there’s nothing God won’t do for you when you stay focused and locked in on your goals,” Kamal said. “Your dreams are worth fighting for.”

There was a time in Kamal’s life when he had to put a pause on his education. Kamal became a father at a young age and was forced to focus on working and providing for his family. “No matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to go back and get your education—especially when amazing organizations like The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and CCP are there to support your journey." Today, Kamal is so proud of investing in his and his family’s future by starting his higher education pathway at CCP.

Olivia studied Biology and is proud to be the recipient of the Muriel Shapp Excellence in Biology Award and the American Association of University Women-Landsdale Branch Scholarship, in addition to now being named a Cooke Scholar. She also participated in the competitive Bucknell Community College Scholars Program, which provides for select CCP students to take part in a free, six-week residential program at Bucknell University during the summer and ultimately receive financial and administrative support to earn a bachelor’s degree at Bucknell if they choose to do so. Olivia plans to transfer to a four-year institution this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Neuroscience. Her long-term goal is to work in the medical field. She hopes to eventually attend medical school or study to become a physician assistant once she receives her bachelor’s degree.

“I feel incredibly appreciative for the opportunity, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and the Community College of Philadelphia,” Olivia said. “I am eager to continue furthering my education and becoming the best version of myself, with the blessing of this scholarship.”

CCP is so proud to have been a part of both Kamal’s and Olivia’s educational journey. This scholarship opportunity is one of the most competitive in the country, and Kamal and Olivia are both so deserving. Join us in celebrating their wonderful achievements.