The support and guidance Ryan Ferreria received at the College helped fuel his achievements and prioritize giving back to other CCP students.

After graduating high school, Ryan wasn’t sure he could succeed in higher education.

“Before I came to CCP, I thought I wasn’t smart enough. People showed me that college is for me, and that I’m able to do this. We’re all smart and can do this,” said Ryan.

Graduating this May with a degree in Biological Sciences, Ryan currently has a 3.0 GPA.

“I like biology, and I wanted to help animals,” he said.

While at the College, Ryan received academic and personal support from the Center for Male Engagement (CME) and support coach Albert Swindle, and the Catto Scholarship provided financial assistance, allowing him to graduate debt-free.

“Catto helped me a lot, especially financially, and students went on college tours,” he said. The Catto initiative also includes provides coaches and advisors, and support for necessities such as food and transportation.

Active in the life of the College, Ryan serves as a CME peer coach, assisting new students in accessing resources at CCP, meeting faculty and staff, and offering help and support. He is also the recipient of the CME Strong Men, Strong Lives scholarship. He started the Photography Club as well as the Bible Study Club, where he also served as president.

This summer, Ryan plans on increasing his volunteer hours at the Philadelphia SPCA as he prepares for transfer to either West Chester University or Temple University in the fall. He plans on pursuing a degree in Business to prepare for career possibilities on the management side of organizations or agencies that combine his love of animals, plants and nature.

“Al, my support coach, talked to me about the business side of things and showed me how I can pursue both of them at once,” said Ryan.

Knowing the importance of building connections with people, Ryan credits those at the College for helping him thrive and move on to a bachelor’s degree program.

“People here care about everybody, and they want to help you get to the next step. I’ve seen the love. I honestly don’t want to leave. It’s amazing,” he said.

Year after year, our students are honored with the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, a highly selective, national program for community college students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degrees at four-year colleges or universities.

This year, we are proud to announce that five of our students have qualified as semifinalists for this opportunity, the largest number of semifinalists CCP has had. That means that these students are in the running to receive generous financial support for two to three years, college planning support, ongoing advising, and the opportunity to connect with the greater community of Cooke scholars.

Join us to celebrate and congratulate these outstanding students. Learn more about each of them and their future plans below.

Amin Bacon

Amin is pursuing a degree in Health Care Studies at Community College of Philadelphia and is set to graduate in May of this year. Since his second semester here, Amin has received several scholarships for his hard and outstanding work along the way. This past year, he was awarded three scholarships: the Joseph and Marie Field Scholarship, the First Presbyterian Church Scholarship, and the Strong Men, Strong Lives, Strong Futures Scholarship.

In addition to his studies, Amin is also a student-athlete, competing in both basketball and cross country, and is an AmeriCorps Next Step member, where he serves at Grady's Garden and the Snack Rack. Amin works as a peer coach for the Center for Male Engagement and collaborates with the Civic Engagement team on various service projects both on campus and throughout Philadelphia. To round it all out, Amin is an active member of the Judicial Hearing Committee and the Appeals Committee at CCP.

Amin is planning to transfer to Temple University after graduating from CCP, pursuing both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Public Health. Once he finishes his degrees, Amin would like to become a public health leader. He aspires to establish his own organization dedicated to promoting affordable and equitable health care for all.

Amin said that his time at CCP has been instrumental in achieving his goals. “The College has instilled confidence in me and strengthened my belief in myself,” he said. “Throughout my journey, CCP supported me through financial hardships and personal losses, including the passing of family members.” Though at times his journey has been challenging, Amin said that he feels at home at CCP. “I have always felt valued and that I truly belonged here.”

Angie Orozco-Rasique

Angie is a Business–General major at CCP and she is also graduating this year. She is a Catto Scholar and the recipient of the PepsiCo Foundation Scholarship, and the Study Abroad Scholarship. 

As far as her involvement on campus goes, Angie has her hands in a wide array of activities and projects. During her time here, Angie founded both the Period Poverty Project and WEALTH•NESS, a student group that helps students blend financial health with wellness. She is also actively involved in the Latin American Student Organization, the Student Government Association and the It’s On Us Peer Leader program. After graduation, Angie plans to transfer to another university, but has not yet decided where. However, Angie does plan to study in a field that centers on advocacy, which is what she is truly passionate about.

After completing her bachelor’s degree, Angie would like to pursue a career as a nonprofit executive or policy analyst—roles that would allow her to lead change and uplift communities. “CCP has truly been a launchpad for me,” Angie said. “It’s where I found my voice, built meaningful connections and began turning my passion for advocacy into action.”

Kamal Rhodes

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 being a semifinalist for Jack Kent Cooke.

After graduating from CCP, Kamal plans to transfer to Thomas Jefferson 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. He is also interested in using his architectural knowledge to invest in real estate development opportunities.

Kamal said CCP gave him a great foundation of knowledge and feels confident going into the rest of his academic and career journey. “CCP has helped me tremendously.” Kamal said. “From connecting me with industry leaders, to providing scholarships that will allow me to obtain my associate degree debt-free, and giving me a foundation of knowledge that I can now secure an entry-level position in the field.”

Fatoumata Sacko

Fatoumata is pursuing an associate degree in Mathematics and is also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society (PTK). In addition to being a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship, Fatoumata has also been nominated to the All-PA Academic Team, received the PECO Scholarship for STEM students, and is currently being considered for several Math department scholarships at CCP.

In addition to her involvement in PTK, Fatoumata is also an AmeriCorps member, a Lion Leader and a Math tutor in the Adopt-A-School program with the School District of Philadelphia.

After graduating from CCP, Fatoumata plans to transfer to a four-year university with a strong STEM program. Her top choices are Drexel University, the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University because of their research opportunities, co-op programs and data-focused coursework. Wherever she ends up, Fatoumata plans on majoring in Mathematics with a focus on Statistics or Data Analytics. Fatoumata is also curious about exploring Project Management as a secondary track.

Fatoumata said her long-term career goals are to become a data analyst or project manager where she can apply her data skills and understanding to solve real-world problems—especially in underserved communities. “I also plan to expand my entrepreneurial goals by building digital tools for small business owners like my mother in Africa,” Fatoumata said.

Fatoumata said that CCP is where she gained the necessary confidence and clarity to pursue her goals. “CCP has empowered me to grow academically, professionally and personally,” Fatoumata said. “The opportunities I found here—from leadership to tutoring—helped shape the person I’m becoming.”

Olivia Schade

Olivia is a Biology student here at CCP 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. Olivia has gotten involved on campus, serving as vice president of the Fellowship for Phi Theta Kappa in the Fall 2024 semester.

After graduating, Olivia plans to transfer to Bucknell University to pursue a degree in Biology and Neuroscience. Her ultimate goal is to work in the medical field in some capacity. She hopes to eventually attend medical school or study to become a physician’s assistant once she receives her bachelor’s degree.

Olivia is proud to be graduating from CCP and said that it opened her eyes and doors to opportunities she never knew were there for her. “I dropped out of high school, and I thought school was not for me,” Olivia said. “Over the last two years, CCP has showed me that not only do I genuinely love learning, but that I am capable of excelling in academics and that there are endless opportunities for me.”

These students have worked hard for this achievement and CCP is proud to have been part of their educational journey so far. We look forward to seeing the profound impact they make in their communities as they move into the next chapter of their academic career.