Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute student Isaac Mendoza Nava has been selected by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation as a semifinalist for its highly competitive and prestigious Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, which supports the nation’s top community college students with financial need seeking to complete a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university.
Mendoza Nava is a 2022 graduate of Watauga High School and is currently working toward his associate in arts, college transfer degree on CCC&TI’s Watauga Campus in Boone.
Mendoza Nava says he knew he wanted to continue his education after high school but wasn’t sure how to cover the cost. “I knew I wanted to enroll in college, but at the same time, I didn’t want to become a financial burden for my family,” said Mendoza Nava. “I didn’t qualify for federal student aid, in-state tuition or most scholarships.” But Mendoza Nava shared that there was one nearby institution that offered an opportunity for him to enroll in college courses at an affordable cost and it was close to home – Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s Watauga Campus.
Mendoza Nava enrolled in Spring 2024 and began working toward his college transfer degree on CCC&TI’s Watauga Campus. Mendoza Nava excelled as a student but faced some significant challenges along the way. He endured financial hardships with his family that resulted in not having consistent access to heat, water, or even quiet study space due to their living conditions. He also shared that he and his family were severely impacted by Hurricane Helene, which ravaged the region in September 2024. “Roads were closed, my father’s workplace was closed for two months, and we lost power for a month,” he said. “But I was able to overcome these barriers with the help of my family. My mother, father, brother, and sister all played a part in motivating and encouraging me to fight for my future by enrolling in CCC&TI.”
Despite these challenges, Mendoza Nava has excelled as a student, earning and maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. He also serves as President of CCC&TI’s Global Students Club where he’s provided immigrant advocacy opportunities for his fellow students. Mendoza Nava also completed an internship with Watauga Immigrant Justice Coalition (WIJC) and the FaithAction ID programwhere he worked to create partnerships with local businesses, organize events and share information on available resources with immigrant families. Mendoza Nava also co-founded the WIJC Neighborhood Coalition Program which provides information and resources to families in marginalized neighborhoods and hosts fun family events for immigrant families throughout the High Country.
When asked about his experience as a CCC&TI student, Mendoza Nava shared that the personal growth and the confidence he’s gained as a CCC&TI student will help him be successful when he transfers and continues his education. He shared that his time at CCC&TI has been nothing short of life changing. “I believed that college was out of reach for me, but because of my family’s love and influence, I took the first step towards my future by enrolling at CCC&TI, and that decision changed my life,” he said. “Without CCC&TI, I wouldn’t have been able to repay the sacrifices my parents made for me, and I am truly grateful for this wonderful institution and what it has given me.”
In May, Mendoza Nava will graduate with honors from CCC&TI with his associate in arts degreeand plans to transfer to Hunter College in New York City and major in political science. From there, his goal is to attend law school and eventually work as an immigration lawyer. “I want to help immigrant families come out of the shadows and fully contribute to their communities,” he said.
Also in May, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation will announce the 2026 Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholars. Recipients of the scholarship are provided with enough aide and assistance to earn their bachelor’s degrees debt-free at any accredited four-year college or university in the United States and provides last-dollar funding of up to $55,000 per year for two to three years. The award is designed to remove financial barriers so that high-achieving community college students, like Mendoza Nava, can transfer to and thrive at the nation’s top institutions. In addition to the financial award, recipients also receive comprehensive support including advising, access to internship opportunities, mentorship and more.
“Through the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation works to ensure that exceptional community college students have the opportunities to reach their full academic potential,” said Executive Director Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili. “This year’s semifinalists reflect the remarkable talent and ambition found in community colleges nationwide.”
CCC&TI congratulates Isaac Mendoza Nava on his selection as a 2026 Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship semifinalist.
For more information on enrolling at CCC&TI, visit www.cccti.edu or call 828-726-2200 (Caldwell) or 828-297-3811 (Watauga).