Florida Teen Wins $55K Scholarship, Brings Water to Africa

A Florida high school senior who founded her own water access nonprofit is heading to college with one of the most competitive scholarships in America.

Cypress Cohen, a student at Babcock High School in North Fort Myers, earned the 2026 Cooke College Scholarship, beating out thousands of applicants nationwide. Only 60 students received the award, which provides up to $55,000 annually to cover the full cost of college.

Cohen currently ranks first in her graduating class and is on track to earn both her high school diploma and an associate degree this May. But her resume extends far beyond the classroom.

She founded The Drop Project, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing clean water to communities in Mozambique. Through her organization, Cohen created educational curriculum for schools, led Water Week initiatives, and partnered with Water4Life Mozambique to support sustainable water solutions.

"I started The Drop Project to turn awareness into action," Cohen said. "This scholarship gives me the opportunity to continue that work on a larger scale and pursue a future where I can serve both locally and globally."

Cohen has logged nearly 600 hours of community service while leading student government, the National Honor Society, and Interact Club. She plans to study political science and medicine at the University of Florida with a minor in international relations.

The Ripple Effect

The Cooke College Scholarship does more than just cover tuition. Recipients receive personalized academic advising, career planning, internship opportunities, study abroad funding, and access to a national network of scholars and alumni.

For Cohen, that support system could amplify her impact on global water access exponentially. Clean water remains out of reach for millions worldwide, and young leaders like her are designing solutions that combine local action with international partnerships.

Shannon Treece, executive director of Babcock Neighborhood Schools, called Cohen "a testament to what can happen when we allow students to lead." The school itself embodies innovation, using the surrounding town as a living laboratory for project-based learning where students tackle real-world challenges.

Cohen's story proves that the next generation isn't waiting for permission to change the world.