Nola Cook Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Branch and Cook Scholarships

Description

The Branch & Cook Scholarships support undergraduate students pursuing STEM majors at accredited Kentucky colleges and universities. Established to honor the grandmothers of the founders, the program targets students from groups underrepresented in STEM and requires full-time enrollment and solid academic standing. The scholarship is intended to encourage community-minded, career-focused STEM students to advance their education and future contributions to their fields.

Key takeaways
- Supports STEM undergraduates at accredited Kentucky institutions.
- Prioritizes applicants from underrepresented groups.
- Requires full-time enrollment and a strong academic record.

History of the Award

Michael and Lauren Branch created the Branch & Cook Scholarships in 2019 to honor their deceased grandmothers. The award pair was conceived as a personal tribute and a practical way to invest in the education of future STEM professionals. Since its founding, the scholarship has emphasized memorializing family legacy through support for students with demonstrated potential.

Key takeaways
- Founded in 2019 by Michael and Lauren Branch.
- Created in memory of both founders’ grandmothers.
- Designed as a legacy-focused scholarship supporting STEM students.

Eligibility

Applicants must be enrolled (or planning to enroll) full-time in an undergraduate STEM program at an accredited Kentucky college or university and maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA. The scholarship explicitly seeks applicants who belong to underrepresented groups in STEM—females, students of rural descent, or underrepresented ethnic minorities. Incoming freshmen who have accepted admission and intend to enroll full-time are eligible, and prior recipients may apply again.

Key takeaways
- Must have a declared STEM major at an accredited Kentucky institution.
- Full-time enrollment (12 credit hours) required or planned for incoming freshmen.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Applicants should be female, of rural descent, or an underrepresented ethnic minority.
- Past recipients may reapply and be considered.

Selection Criteria

Selection focuses on academic readiness, commitment to STEM, and the applicant’s potential to contribute to their community through their chosen field. Reviewers evaluate GPA and coursework alongside qualitative evidence: the applicant’s essay, recommendation letter, and demonstrated involvement or interest in STEM. The award favors candidates who articulate clear career goals and who show how their STEM work will serve broader community needs.

Key takeaways
- Evaluation balances quantitative (GPA, enrollment) and qualitative (essay, recommendation) factors.
- Strong emphasis on career goals and community impact in the STEM field.
- Demonstrated interest or involvement in STEM strengthens applications.

Application Procedure

Applications are completed online and must be submitted by the stated deadline; incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. Applicants should follow the application form instructions carefully, upload all required documents, and ensure their submission is finalized before the due date. If you lack the required upload capability, contact the program administrators in advance to request an alternative submission method.

Key takeaways
- Apply through the online application portal by the published deadline.
- Incomplete applications are excluded from review.
- Contact administrators ahead of time if you need a non-standard submission method.

Required Materials

Applicants must provide a current resume, a transcript showing cumulative GPA, a ~500-word double-spaced essay in 12‑point font, a letter of recommendation focused on STEM interest/involvement and future contributions, and proof of enrollment or admission. The essay should explain career interests, professional goals, and why the chosen STEM field matters to the community. Each document must be included with the online submission to form a complete application.

Key takeaways
- **Resume:** Current, highlighting STEM involvement.
- **Transcript:** Verifies cumulative GPA.
- **Essay (~500 words):** Double-spaced, 12‑point font; explains goals and community relevance.
- **Recommendation letter:** Speaks to STEM interest and potential contributions.
- **Proof of enrollment/admission:** From registrar or admissions office.

Renewal and Reapplication

Current recipients may receive the scholarship again but must reapply and be reselected through the standard process. Continuation is not automatic; recipients should submit a new application with updated materials and meet the same eligibility and selection standards. Maintaining the required GPA and full-time status is essential for consideration in subsequent award cycles.

Key takeaways
- Recipients must reapply to be considered for future awards.
- Renewal depends on meeting eligibility and competitive selection again.
- Continued full-time enrollment and a 3.0+ GPA are required.

Award Value & Timeline

The public description provided does not state a specific award amount or an annual timeline for applications and disbursements. Prospective applicants should consult the scholarship’s official webpage or contact program staff to obtain current information on award value, the application deadline, and notification dates. Confirming these details early will help ensure a complete and timely submission.

Key takeaways
- Award amount and schedule are not specified in the summary.
- Check the official scholarship listing or contact administrators for current figures and deadlines.
- Verify deadlines well before submission to avoid incomplete applications.

Contact & Technical Requirements

The online application requires file uploads via a Google/Gmail account, so applicants should have or create one to complete their submission. If you cannot use a Google account, contact the scholarship administrators in advance to arrange an alternative upload method. For questions about eligibility, materials, deadlines, or technical issues, reach out to the program contact listed on the scholarship page.

Key takeaways
- Google/Gmail account is required for online uploads.
- Contact administrators ahead of time if you need another submission option.
- Use the scholarship’s official contact for eligibility, technical, or deadline inquiries.