EMCC’s Jadin Wilson Named First Maine Community College Cooke Scholar

Jadin Wilson, who recently graduated from Eastern Maine Community College with an Associate in Career Studies and a 4.0 GPA, has become the first student from a Maine community college to receive the prestigious Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. She is one of 60 high-achieving community college students nationwide selected for the 2026 cohort, chosen from a pool of more than 1,300 applicants.

The scholarship provides last-dollar funding of up to $55,000 per year and will support Wilson as she transfers to Smith College this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

“I had a great experience at EMCC. This is where I blossomed,” Wilson said.

A first-generation college student, Wilson compiled an extensive record of academic and extracurricular achievement at EMCC. She founded the college’s cybersecurity and coding club, served as public relations officer for the student senate and participated in the TRIO Student Support Services program.

Wilson credits TRIO with helping her persist through her toughest semester. After struggling in chemistry to the point of considering dropping out, she leaned on TRIO tutoring and mentoring, earned an A and kept going.

“TRIO saved me,” she said.

Wilson grew up traveling the country in an RV while being homeschooled. Her family’s experience with identity theft during a financial crisis in her childhood sparked her interest in digital security and shaped her career goals.

“I want to make the industry better,” Wilson said.

She plans to earn a Ph.D. in computer science and become a research professor specializing in digital forensics.

An artist and poet whose interests include robotics, travel and reading, Wilson said her family’s support helped her recognize her potential and gave her the confidence to push herself.

“Jadin is exactly the kind of student this scholarship was designed to recognize,” said Liz True, dean of students. “She came to EMCC with talent and grit. She made the most of every opportunity, from founding a new student club to serving in student senate. We’re thrilled to see her continue her journey.”

The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship evaluates applicants based on academic achievement, perseverance and leadership. Beyond financial support, Cooke Scholars receive personalized advising and gain access to a nationwide network of more than 3,900 Cooke Scholars and Alumni, along with opportunities for internships, study abroad and graduate school support.

A complete list of the 2026 Cooke Transfer Scholar finalists is available on the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation website (jkcf.org/our-stories/2026-transfer-scholarship-finalists). To learn more about the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, visit jkcf.org/our-scholarships/undergraduate-transfer-scholarship.