Janice Robinson

Lakeland student Janice Robinson has been named as a 2020 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. She is one of 207 students nationwide to be selected by a panel of independent judges from nearly 700 applications.

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. The Painesville resident will receive a $1,000 scholarship toward her studies in business management at Lakeland. She plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in business.

"Our chapter advisers and members are very proud of Janice," said Dr. Matthew Hiner, professor of history and adviser for Lakeland's PTK Honor Society chapter. "Hundreds of students from community colleges across the nation apply for the Leaders of Promise scholarship each year. Janice is only the third Lakeland student in the last 10 years to receive this recognition, so this is quite an accomplishment."

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 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."

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 PTK Foundation and provides seven Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships, earmarked for international students.

"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 PTK 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."

PTK is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation's colleges. More information at PTK.org.

By: Jessica Novak