News Article

FSW Students Named 2021 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars

Oct 20, 2021

OCTOBER 20, 2021 – FORT MYERS, FLA – Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) students Alexis Isherwood and Mia Aragon were named 2021 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars. They are two of 207 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society members to be named 2021 Leaders of Promise Scholars and will receive $1,000 scholarships from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.

“It means a lot to me to receive this scholarship,” Isherwood said. “I’m currently majoring in general studies with a focus on biology. I plan to pursue my bachelor’s degree in biology at a university and then build a career in marine biology. I want to study our ocean and its inhabitants to help our environment, and use my research to create technological advancements in other vital fields for the human race.”

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new PTK members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in PTK programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. More than 900 applications were received.

A total of $207,000 is awarded through the Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program. 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 United States military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and provides seven Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships, earmarked for international students.

“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.”

About Phi Theta Kappa
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. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 10 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

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Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and most affordable institution of higher education. Annually serving nearly 20,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees and professional certifications, several with 100 percent licensure pass and job placements rates. Study and travel abroad opportunities are available for students through FSW’s Center for International Education. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.

Last Updated: October 20, 2021