Prescott, Arizona — Yavapai College students Nadia Mouawad and Lindsay Winfrey have been named 2026 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Additionally, Yavapai College student Robert Kerslake has been named a 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar, joining 200 students nationwide recognized for their academic achievement and pursuit of career-focused education.
“Being a winner of the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship feels amazing, and I am incredibly proud of this great achievement,” Mouawad said. “I work extremely hard in school, PTK, and volunteering in my local community, so to be recognized for my dedication and motivation in and outside of the classroom is a huge privilege. I’d like to thank PTK for the leadership opportunities, sense of belonging, scholarship opportunities, and the huge amount of support they have offered me. I couldn’t have done this without them and I want to encourage other students to get involved too.”
“Receiving the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship is an incredible honor and a meaningful milestone in my educational journey,” Winfrey said. “Returning to college while raising my two boys has taught me that leadership is not always about having the loudest voice—it is about showing up, staying committed, and finding ways to make a difference. I am incredibly grateful for this recognition and excited to continue growing as a student, leader, and member of my community.”
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.
“I can't thank PTK enough for this opportunity to help lower my costs,” Kerslake said. “As an international student, finances can be very tight, so this helps with projects for CNC and towards some materials for gunsmithing. My schedule hasn't been kind with regard to getting to PTK meetings; however, they are a great group of people and very helpful. They also have an amazing amount of activities for students to partake in and network.”
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides funding for the scholarships, with a portion earmarked for members who are veterans or active members of the United States military. Additional donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation support 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 Paulsen, 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.
The Chime Workforce Scholarship, funded by the Chime Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, provides each scholar with $1,000 to help cover educational expenses while completing a certificate or associate degree that prepares them to enter the workforce in a high-demand field.
“At the Chime Scholars Foundation, we believe that career and technical education opens doors to financial progress and long-term opportunity. We’re proud to support students who are working hard to gain in-demand skills and build better futures for themselves and their families,” said Jeni Izuel, president of the Chime Scholars Foundation.
"We are thrilled to launch this new program and award hardworking students with Chime Workforce Scholarships,” Amanda Karpinski Gorman, executive director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation said. “These scholarships support students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges, and we look forward to see all they go on to accomplish."
The Chime Workforce Scholarship supports students preparing for high-demand careers that strengthen their communities and local economies. By helping students complete their education and earn workforce credentials, the program helps create a stronger pipeline of skilled workers in fields where they are needed most.
“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Amanda Karpinski Gorman, 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.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the first 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 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more online at ptk.org.
Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, six baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.