Omar A. Gonzalez Sanchez Named 2021 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar

Jefferson Community College (JCC) business administration major, Omar A. Gonzalez Sanchez (on right), Fort Drum, is one of 207 Phi Theta Kappa members to be named a 2021 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar, an honor that comes with a $1,000 scholarship. 

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new Phi Theta Kappa (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.” 

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.”

About JCC’s Tau Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa
Members of JCC’s Tau Xi Chapter of PTK exemplify the four hallmarks essential to PTK induction: scholarship, leadership, fellowship and service. Academic excellence is matched and often surpassed, by JCC PTK members’ willingness to share their time and talents with the community. To be eligible for Phi Theta Kappa, students must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 and have completed at least 12 credit hours of college level work at JCC. To remain a member of PTK, students must maintain a 3.30 GPA.

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 www.ptk.org.