Jackson Academy senior Brooke Dennis has been named a Gates Scholar and member of The Gates Scholarship Class of 2025. She is one of 750 students from a nationwide pool of 48,000 applicants to receive the honor this year. In the award notification, the Gates Foundation noted: “You now belong to an elite group of young leaders—all of whom represent the very pinnacle of academic achievement, service, and commitment.”
The Gates Scholarship provides undergraduate education funding and gives recipients resources to continue to hone their leadership skills, prepare for professional life, and start building networks with fellow scholars and other distinguished individuals, the notification letter states. Recipients have access to mentoring, leadership development, wellness, career guidance, and internship and job opportunities.
For example, scholars can participate in The Gates Scholarship Summer Institute (TGSSI), where the Class of 2025 networks, meets fellow Gates Scholars, and learns what to expect in the first year of college and subsequent years.
The Gates Scholarship provides an array of funding worked out in conjunction with a student’s other funding sources and their cost of college attendance. Funding can include undergraduate tuition and fees; housing and room costs; meal plans; books, course materials and supplies; transportation costs; personal expenses typical for the average full-time student; and health insurance, dental, and/or vision premiums.
Earlier this spring, Brooke also was named a Mississippi State University Presidential Scholar. MSU awarded the 2025 Presidential Scholarship to 40 students from a pool of more than 700.
Among her many accomplishments and leadership roles, Brooke has served on Youth Leadership Jackson, as a JA Ambassador, as a leadership team member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, as editor of the JA Chronicle Newspaper, and on the leadership team for JA volleyball. For Infinity Volleyball Academy, she has served as a Rec League Coach.
On JA’s Academy Honor Roll since 2018, Brooke is a member of the National Honor Society and honor societies in math, English, social studies, science, and Spanish. She was named a Lott Leadership Scholar. She is a member of the archery, basketball, volleyball, and track and field teams. Her athletic pursuits have won recognition through JA and external sports organizations.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation launched the Gates Scholarship Program in 2017 to eliminate the financial barriers to college for high-potential, low-income minority students. The program also supports scholars with resources and services through graduation and career transition.
