The academic journey for Cooper Lennon Crane demonstrates dedication, passion, and the significant impact scholarships can have on a student鈥檚 success. He attended Norco College from 2015 to 2020, earning multiple associate degrees in history, political science, anthropology, arts, philosophy, humanities, and social science. During this time, Cooper received two prestigious scholarships鈥攖he Norco Silver Scholarship and the Southern California Edison STEM Scholarship鈥攊n 2018, as well as the distinguished student award from the History Department.

These scholarships were crucial in supporting Cooper鈥檚 education, helping to cover textbook costs, and allowing him to take a full course load. 鈥淲hen I received the scholarships, my family and I were going through a difficult financial period, and without this support, it would have been nearly impossible to pursue the coursework I wanted,鈥� Cooper said. With these funds, he completed his major requirements and expanded his studies to include sociology courses focusing on race and social justice in American society.

After graduating from 萝莉研究所 in 2020, Cooper transferred to Pomona College, where he continued to excel. He graduated in 2024 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in anthropology, minoring in history, and earning departmental honors. His thesis explored the Santa Ana River, investigating how infrastructure has reshaped both the physical landscape and public perception of Southern California as a 鈥済arden landscape.鈥�

Cooper also worked as an archivist for Claremont Heritage, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to historic preservation, researching water rights in the Pomona Valley. More recently, he served as a long-term substitute teacher at a special education school, supporting children facing emotional distress and trauma.

Currently, he is preparing to pursue graduate studies at the University of California, Riverside, where he plans to earn a master鈥檚 in public history and a doctorate in history. His goal is to become a community college history professor and work in a museum setting鈥攔oles where he can inspire future generations and help preserve history.

Cooper鈥檚 advice to current Norco students applying for scholarships is straightforward: 鈥淏e as open and honest as you can about what you intend to use the scholarship for and what it will help you achieve. Don鈥檛 tailor your application to what you think donors want to hear. Show your true career and educational goals, whatever they might be.鈥�

Scholarships Make a Difference
Cooper鈥檚 story highlights why scholarships are essential to 萝莉研究所 students鈥攖hey provide vital financial support, open doors to new opportunities, and empower students to reach their full potential despite life鈥檚 challenges.

Learn more on how you can contribute, visit the 萝莉研究所 President鈥檚 Circle.