New York, N.Y. (April 2, 2026) – Guttman Community College Cybersecurity major Farjana Jannath was selected as a semifinalist for the 2026 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The prestigious scholarship is awarded to community college students who demonstrate financial need, providing the means to transfer to a four-year college to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
“We are honored to recognize Farjana as a finalist for the Cooke Scholarship, one of the most distinguished transfer awards in the country. Farjana reflects the highest ideals of our institution, and our entire university community takes tremendous pride in her accomplishment,” said Guttman Interim President Elizabeth de León Bhargava.
1,300 students across the country applied for this year’s scholarship. Farjana was chosen following a rigorous assessment of the applicants’ academic achievements, perseverance and leadership. The scholarship provides up to $55,000 of last-dollar funding per year for two to three years, removing financial barriers for community college students to continue their education, as well as key supports such as personalized academic and career advising, internship and study abroad opportunities and additional funding for graduate school. The Cooke Scholars also receive life-long mentoring and networking through a community of over 3,800 fellow scholars and alumni.
“Working with Farjana has been nothing short of a joy. Her curiosity, drive, and commitment to excellence have made every moment meaningful. Now, as a semifinalist, she truly embodies what determination, grit, and resilience truly look like,” said Krystal Liriano-Gonzalez, who encouraged Farjana to apply for the scholarship.
After graduating from Guttman, Farjana hopes to continue her studies at Queens College or New York University and then plans to make an impact on the technology sector with a career in computer science or information systems management. She joins two prior Guttman students named Cooke Transfer Scholar semifinalists; Bashir Juwara and Camila Rodriguez were the first Guttman students chosen as semifinalists for the award in 2022.
Stella and Charles Guttman Community College is CUNY’s first new community college in more than forty years. Reimagining what community college could be, Guttman opened its doors in Manhattan in August 2012 to create a research-based, innovative model focused on moving students efficiently toward graduation. Offering associate degree programs in a nurturing environment, the College provides holistic support and advising to ensure timely degree completion, and most graduates transfer to senior colleges. Guttman was named the best community college in America in 2020 and the top community college in New York State in 2020 and 2021 by Niche.com, and WalletHub ranked Guttman the #1 community college in New York State for 2025.
