SMC Student Martin Orea Named a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation 2026 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient

SMC Student Martin Orea Named a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation 2026 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient

Among 60 Community College Students Nationwide Who Will Receive Up to $55,000 Annually & Support to Attend Four-Year Institutions

SANTA MONICA, CA—Santa Monica College (SMC) student Martin Orea was named one of the 2026 recipients of the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation (JCKF). Orea—a first-generation college student from Fullerton, and a student leader—is among 60 community college student recipients nationwide, selected from a semifinalist pool of 485 students. The selection process initially drew more than 1,300 applications.

The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides last dollar funding after all institutional aid and can provide as much as $55,000 per year towards the completion of a bachelor’s degree at any accredited undergraduate institution. Beyond financial support, scholars receive personalized advising to help them in their academic and professional journeys. They also gain access to a nationwide network of more than 3,900 Cooke scholars and alumni, as well as opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school support, ensuring they have the tools needed to thrive beyond community college. 

Orea studies Public Policy, Communications, and Political Science at Santa Monica College, and is also enrolled in SMC’s Law Pathway Program, which offers students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds opportunities for access, engagement and advancement in the legal profession. Orea is a student leader both at SMC and statewide, serving as SMC Associated Students Director of Basic Needs and as communications coordinator for the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges. He aspires to pursue public interest law focused on expanding access to justice for underrepresented communities. Earlier this year, Orea was also named one of only two California Community College students to receive the Outstanding Student Stipend Award from California LAW Pathways at the 2026 Pathways to Law Summit hosted by UC Law San Francisco.

A first-generation student—who takes multiple trains to commute from Fullerton to Santa Monica College—Orea is deeply committed to equity in higher education and the role community colleges play in expanding opportunity. Orea plans on transferring to Georgetown University to pursue their new joint program in public policy, where he will spend two years at the McCourt School of Public Policy to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy. After that, he hopes to pursue a master’s in public policy, earn a Juris Doctor and pursue a career in public service “to work on state- or federal-level policies that positively impact the lives of everyone.”

Orea stated that he has been “shaped by so many people at SMC who helped me believe that each leap of faith was possible.” SMC Law Pathway Program lead Dr. Vicenta Arrizon showed him “that a career in law is possible no matter where you come from,” and her mentorship and nomination led Orea to being selected for the Cal LAW Outstanding Student Stipend Award.

SMC Public Policy Institute co-director Shari Davis, “a one-of-a-kind faculty member” taught him “the importance of civic engagement, public service, and being involved in the governmental process.” “Because of her guidance, I went on to intern with California State Assemblymember Isaac Bryan and Congressman Lou Correa,” said Orea, “and was [also] selected as one of 50 students nationwide for the Harvard Kennedy School Public Policy Leadership Program.”

Others at SMC who were instrumental in Orea’s journey include Communication & Media Studies Professor Nathan Brown, through whose courses Orea “found my voice both literally and figuratively”; SMC Board of Trustees member Dr. Nancy Greenstein who showed him “time and time again, what a life in public service can look like”; counselor Dr. Paul Jimenez who helped guide Orea through the JKCF scholarship application process, and “through the MOCAN (Men of Color Action Network) and Adelante programs at Camino Al Éxito [a summer bridge program], helped me connect with students, faculty, and mentors who shared my background and culture”; counselor Tiffany Inabu who “always had her door open” and “with her guidance, I was selected as a finalist for the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service”; Associate Dean of Student LifeThomas Bui who “has provided incredible support throughout my time in Associated Students as Director of Basic Needs [and] supported so many of my initiatives, from funding the SMC Foundation’s Giving Thanks(giving) to helping student representatives and commissioners get paid for their hard work to funding the FLVR program, so food-insecure students could access meals.”

“Whenever I took a leap of faith, these mentors helped me take that leap with confidence,” Orea said. “If not for their guidance, belief, and care, I would not be where I am today." 

“Congratulations to Martin Orea!” said SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery. “To be selected for a Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is a tremendous achievement and a testament to Martin’s perseverance, excellence, and his vast potential. He is already a leader at SMC, making a difference for himself and others. It is an honor for the college that Martin chose SMC to help him on his career and life journey.”

The Cooke Foundation is committed to expanding access to high-quality, debt-free pathways for high-achieving students with financial need. While nearly 80% of community college students aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, only 16% reach that goal within six years. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship seeks to help more students persist and complete their degrees by reducing financial barriers and providing the academic and advising support needed to navigate the transfer process. 

“These Scholars reflect the depth of talent and determination found in community colleges across the country,” said Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, Chief Executive Officer of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, in a May 12 press release announcing this year’s scholarship recipients. “They’ve demonstrated what they’re capable of, and we’re proud to help ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent them from continuing their education and realizing their full potential.” 

Applicants were evaluated based on academic achievement, perseverance, and leadership. A complete list of the 2026 Cooke Transfer Scholar finalists and their respective community colleges is available on the JKCF website. To learn more about the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, visit jkcf.org/our-scholarships/undergraduate-transfer-scholarship.

Santa Monica College is a California Community College accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).

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