LaGuardia College student among finalists for nationwide grant

LaGuardia College student Zilla Tofte is among the finalists for a nationwide scholarship. Photo via Instagram.

By Rachel Vick

A LaGuardia College student who moved to Queens from South Africa is among the finalists for a prestigious nationwide scholarship.

Student Zilla Tofte was selected with a handful of other students from a pool of 1,500 applicants for The Jack Kent Cooke Transfer scholarship.

Tofte, an environmental engineering student, said that the local and school community played a role in her achievement.

“As a South African, non-traditional student with no previous academic experience, I never dreamed this would be possible,” Tofte said. “Queens is truly a [place]that opens its arms to people from all over the world to make their dreams a reality.”

The scholarship program awards funds and guidance for community college students’ transition to four-year school.