Yavapai College Students Win National Scholarships
Three Yavapai College students have earned national scholarships from the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Nadia Mouawad and Lindsay Winfrey each received a $1,000 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship, while Robert Kerslake was named a Chime Workforce Scholar.
Two Yavapai College students have won a national scholarship for community college leaders. Nadia Mouawad and Lindsay Winfrey are 2026 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars, each receiving a $1,000 award from the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society.
A third Yavapai College student has also been recognized for career-focused studies. Robert Kerslake has been named a 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar, joining 200 students nationwide honored for academic achievement in workforce education.
Scholarship Details and Recipient Reactions
The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program assists new Phi Theta Kappa members with educational costs while they pursue associate degrees. Selection is based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. Recipients are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the society.
Nadia Mouawad expressed pride in the achievement. "Being a winner of the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship feels amazing, and I am incredibly proud of this great achievement," Mouawad said. She credited PTK for providing leadership opportunities and a sense of belonging.
Lindsay Winfrey described the scholarship as a milestone. "Receiving the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship is an incredible honor and a meaningful milestone in my educational journey," Winfrey stated. She highlighted the challenge of returning to college while raising two children.
Robert Kerslake, an international student, emphasized the financial relief. "I can’t thank PTK enough for this opportunity to help lower my costs," Kerslake said. He noted the funds would help with projects for CNC and materials for gunsmithing.
Funding and Program Goals
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides the funding for the Leaders of Promise scholarships. A portion of the funds is specifically designated for veterans or active members of the United States military. Additional donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation support Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships for international students.
Jane Hale Paulsen, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, highlighted the partnership's history. "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," Paulsen said. The foundation aims to aid college completion and leadership development.
The Chime Workforce Scholarship is funded by the Chime Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. It provides $1,000 to each scholar to cover educational expenses while they complete a certificate or associate degree for a high-demand workforce field.
Jeni Izuel, president of the Chime Scholars Foundation, explained the program's belief. "At the Chime Scholars Foundation, we believe that career and technical education opens doors to financial progress and long-term opportunity," Izuel stated.
Impact and Institutional Context
Amanda Karpinski Gorman, executive director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, noted the proven success of PTK members. "Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers," Gorman said. The scholarships aim to ensure financial need does not block academic goals.
The Chime program supports students preparing for careers that strengthen local communities and economies. By helping students complete credentials, it builds a pipeline of skilled workers for high-demand fields.
Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society for students at associate degree-granting colleges. It has over 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters across 11 countries, with about 220,000 active members in U.S. Colleges. Yavapai College operates seven campuses in Yavapai County, offering over 100 degrees and certificates.
