Shafer named 2021 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar
July 22, 2021
ASHLAND, Ky. – ACTC student, Andrea Shafer, is one of 207 Phi Theta Kappa members nationwide to be named a 2021 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. She will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
“Andrea has been an active and enthusiastic member of ACTC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter over this past year and I’m so pleased that she has received this prestigious honor,” said Janet Thompson, PTK sponsor. “She is a great role model of success and achievement amongst our student body and I look forward to see her growth and benefit through this incredible scholarship opportunity.”
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. More than 900 applications were received.
“We are honored that one our students was the recipient of a national scholarship,” said Steve Woodburn, Chief Student Affairs Officer. “It’s not only an indication of the quality of student Andrea is, but the quality of students we have at ACTC overall.”
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.”
“I went from alcohol addiction and losing everything in my life,” said Shafer. “At that time, my life was a roller coaster. I got my GED, my kids back home and married my best friend.”
She says she thanks God every day for not giving up on her and showing her not to give up when things don’t go right.
“I never in a million years would have thought I would receive a scholarship,” Shafer added. “Looking back to 2018 when I was a lost cause to seeing what I have now, I know if it was not for my kids, husband, parents, my professors, and God I would not be where I am today.”
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.
