North Central Michigan College student Maria Crawford of Harbor Springs is one of just 210 students nationwide to be named a 2024 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. Crawford will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship helps new members of the international honor society Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) defray educational expenses while they are 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. Crawford was one of 1,500 applicants.
Crawford will serve as vice president of North Central’s Alpha Omicron Upsilon chapter of PTK this academic year, explained Chelse Hawkins Olivo, PTK advisor and NCMC outreach recruiter.
“We are proud of Maria's commitment to her education and achievement in being recognized as one of a select few for this scholarship award,” Hawkins-Olivo said. “I am excited to see all the great initiatives that she and her fellow board members will take part in to better the NCMC community.”
A total of $210,000 will be awarded this year 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, which provides multiple 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.”
The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid college completion but also give students the opportunity to engage in PTK programs and develop skills to become future leaders in their communities.
“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said 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.”