JACKSON, Miss. – Kourtnie Miller, a student at Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley, has been selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship from Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society as a 2016 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. Miller is majoring in psychology and plans to transfer upon completion of her associate degree in 2017 to complete her bachelor’s degree.
Selected as 2016 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars, 207 Phi Theta Kappa members have been awarded a total of $207,000 in scholarships. Chosen from more than 1,100 applications worldwide, the scholars receive scholarships of $1,000 each to further their associate degree studies. Independent judges evaluate the applications based on scholastic achievement, community service and leadership potential.
The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program provides new Phi Theta Kappa members with financial resources to help defray educational expenses. Scholars are also encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in PTK programs.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for the scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the U.S. military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and provides Leaders of Promise Global Scholarships, earmarked for international students.
“The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid college completion, but provide students with the opportunity to engage in Society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities,” said Steve Mulhollen, interim executive director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers. The Leaders of Promise scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.”
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said J. Mark Davis, president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa and make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals. Phi Theta Kappa members are proven scholars, engaged students who want to use their abilities to make a difference.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of community college students and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The society is made up of more than 3 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in nine nations.