Kyaw Ler Moo, who graduated this spring from Durham Tech with an Associate in Science degree, has won the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, one of the most prestigious transfer scholarships in the country. Moo is transferring this fall to UNC Chapel Hill to study nutrition in the Gillings School of Public Health. Moo says he feels both relief and excitement.
“I was relieved that the financial struggles that once separated me from achieving my educational goals were finally put to a rest. I then felt a huge amount of excitement —excited to continue my educational journey with the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, excited to explore all these new opportunities, and, most importantly, excited about how far this scholarship can take me with my future.”
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation selected 60 scholarship recipients from more than 1,300 applicants nationwide. Moo is the only recipient from North Carolina. The scholarship provides up to $55,000 per year, in addition to advising, networking, internships, and study abroad opportunities.
“As a refugee immigrant from Thailand, this scholarship helps me in many circumstances ranging from being able to graduate debt-free from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to allowing me to connect with previous recipients who can provide guidance toward obtaining my bachelor's and potentially a master's degree,” Moo said. “During the beginning, my goal of obtaining a doctorate in medicine seemed impossible, but winning this scholarship ensures I am one step closer to becoming a physician who aspires to make healthcare more accessible for all refugees.”