Southern State student named 2024 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar

By Elizabeth Burkard
Director of Marketing
Southern State Community College
                              
Southern State Community College student Marianne Price is one of 210 Phi Theta Kappa members named a 2024 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. She will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Price is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing.  

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. Nearly 1,500 applications were received.

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 Society programs and develop leadership 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 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.”

Susan Morris and Sam Ginn serve as PTK Advisors for Southern State and are responsible for recruitment of new members, accompanying students to meetings/conventions, mentoring Chapter officers and assisting them with the development of leadership skills and fundraising activities.

“On behalf of Southern State Community College, we are so thankful for scholarships like the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship.  It is through programs like these that students are provided an opportunity to extend their reach beyond the classroom and inspire others across all areas of their academic and personal influence,” said Dr. Nicole Roades, President of Southern State. Adding, “We are delighted that Marianne Price is among the Ohio elite to be selected for this prestigious award.  Learning of Marianne’s story and her path to continued education, we can attest that Coca-Cola has made the right investment.”   
 
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society to recognize the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and to help them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.3 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at www.ptk.org.