Students named 2020 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars

MESA, Arizona -- September 15, 2020 -- Two Mesa Community College students are among the 207 Phi Theta Kappa members nationwide to be named 2020 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars. Selected from nearly 700 applicants, Michael Wilde and Courtney Curran each receive a $1,000 scholarship to help them continMichael WildeMichael Wilde ue their studies.

The scholarship program helps new Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service and leadership potential.

Business major Wilde resides in Phoenix and is focusing his studies on sports management.

“The Coca Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship is something I applied for and really didn’t know I’d be selected for. It’s nice to know that hard work and dedication pays off,” said Wilde. “This will really help me be less stressed during this semester and help me maintain the same work ethic so I can hope to earn another scholarship in the future.”

Curran, from Mesa, is pursuing an Associate in Science and plans to transfer to Brigham Young University to earn a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology.

Courtney CurranCourtney Curran “I’m thankful for the support and possibilities this scholarship grants me. The cost of education was a huge burden on my shoulders, but I am so happy that I can continue to advance in my studies and goals,” Curran said. “With this generous donation, I am able to keep setting higher goals for myself and push myself harder in achieving my dreams.”

“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global community.”

“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, executive director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “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.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders.

Learn more about the Coca Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship at https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/.

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Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise is Phi Theta Kappa’s first scholarship program available to its members to be used during the time they are enrolled in community colleges. 200 scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded based on applications submitted by members. Visit coca-colascholarsfoundation.org to learn more.

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs online, at its two campuses, the Mesa Downtown Center and additional locations. Through the implementation of Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming ways it champions student success; college completion, university transfer and career attainment for all students. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. The diverse student body includes more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training to empower MCC students to compete locally and globally. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

Source Details

Publication Date: 
Friday, September 11, 2020