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The Heart of the Foundation

Our Scholars

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At the heart of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation are the incredible students we support through our life-changing scholarship programs. Our scholars come from all walks of life, but are united through their dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and community service.

Whether they are completing their associate degrees, transferring to four-year institutions to earn bachelor’s degrees, or entering the workforce directly, our scholarship opportunities are as diverse as the community college students we serve. We understand that every student’s journey is unique, which is why we offer financial assistance across a broad spectrum of academic and career paths, from nursing and law enforcement to arts, technology, business, and beyond.

Each scholarship awarded is a testament to the promise and potential of our members, empowering them to pursue their dreams and create meaningful impact in their communities and careers.

Meet our scholars by clicking any state below

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Marie Eng

“To be honest, I didn't think that I had a shot at receiving a scholarship because this was my second time going back to school. Being a PTK member changed that for me, and I am so glad that I joined and that I had applied for the scholarship! The scholarship arrived at a time of great financial hardship, and I was truly grateful to be able to pay for the remaining classes I had to complete my degree."

Marie Eng

Nicole Liethof

“Receiving Hites scholarship has been a transformative milestone in my academic journey. It eased the financial burden for my family and empowered me to keep pursuing my goal of becoming a biomedical researcher focused on Alzheimer’s. PTK’s support and community have truly elevated my college experience and motivated me to excel.”

Nicole Liethof

Ariel German

“Through my experiences in PTK, my academic career has evolved into something much more than just simply earning a college degree. It has transformed into a journey of rediscovering who I am and what I am capable of achieving. Being selected as a 2025 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship recipient has inspired me to pursue my goals with determination and continue reaching for the stars.”

Ariel German

Shanna Holt

“As an All-USA Academic Team member and a New Century Transfer Pathway Scholarship recipient, I felt well-prepared for transfer from my community college to the ivy league. PTK has honed my leadership skills and provided invaluable opportunities to engage in campus fellowship and community service. I'm deeply grateful for the doors PTK has opened and for all the fantastic friends found along the way!”

Shanna Holt

Olatomiwa Ogunkoya

"Being part of Phi Theta Kappa, especially serving as Chapter President, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic journey. The Hites Scholarship not only eased the financial burden of pursuing my goals but also affirmed the value of leadership, service, and scholarship that PTK instilled in me. This support motivates me to continue striving for excellence and to give back to the communities that have invested in my growth. Thank you, PTK!!"

Olatomiwa Ogunkoya

Rachel Bradford

“The scholarship I received has helped me pursue my career in Dental Hygiene! Costs were high, and Phi Theta Kappa relieved a bit of that financial burden, allowing me to excel! I am so very grateful to have been chosen for the NCS WF scholarship.”

Rachel Bradford

Zorah Austin

“I am so grateful to have been a member of Phi Theta Kappa. My time serving as an officer in my chapter, Alpha Epsilon Kappa at Lincoln Land Community College, getting to experience going to conferences (especially Catalyst) was awesome! I will forever remember the great times I have had through PTK, and I am thankful to be a CCAT Bronze Scholarship recipient.”

Zorah Austin

Brynna Kahl

“As a single mother of two, funding my education once seemed impossible, but through the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Program and the CCAT Bronze Scholarship, a new path has opened for my children and I. This support is turning my dreams into reality, while also providing me the opportunity to prove that through hard work and dedication, anything is possible.”

Brynna Kahl

Evi De LaJoie

"I’m deeply grateful to God for His greatness and for always placing the right people on my path, placing PTK on my path. Coca Cola Bronze scholarship is not just financial support, it is a reminder that through excellence, every door before me can be opened".

Evi De LaJoie

Doug Bernacchi

“As a non-traditional, non-traditional--that is to say, a senior citizen who after a near fatal car accident, missed nearly a decade of ending my earlier career, returning to school to re-train for a new career as a CT licensed optician became my goal, and one  that PTK has help me pursue in the finest program at CT State. So, I wake grateful everyday!"

Doug Bernacchi

Yuliia Skrypniuk

“Being a recipient of the NCS TR Scholarship and a proud member of Phi Theta Kappa, my dear AEZ chapter in Delaware has motivated me to strive for excellence in my studies and given me the confidence to pursue my dream of becoming a physician. The support from PTK has shown me the power of community and the importance of giving back.”

Yuliia Skrypniuk

Keira Stack

“Receiving the New Century Transfer Scholarship has been a game-changer in my journey toward becoming a modern-day treasure hunter as I pursue my accounting degree. Beyond the financial support, the real value lies in the networking and mentorship opportunities provided by Phi Theta Kappa, which have given me the guidance and confidence to continue striving toward my goals. I'm immensely grateful for all the support PTK and this scholarship offer has offered, as they’ve not only lightened my financial burden but also surrounded me with a supportive community that encourages my success.”

Keira Stack

Marolla Youakim

"Receiving the Hites Scholarship has been transformative. It has opened doors to opportunities I once only dreamed of and strengthened my belief in the impact of perseverance, service, and leadership. Through Phi Theta Kappa, I’ve gained meaningful leadership experiences, a supportive network, and the confidence to pursue my ultimate goal of becoming a healthcare provider who can make a lasting difference in the lives of others."

Marolla Youakim

Huda Memon

"Receiving the Hites Scholarship has been such a blessing, helping ease the financial stress of college and letting me focus more on my education. I’m beyond thankful for this support, which motivates me to keep working hard toward my dreams. Being a part of PTK was truly the best decision I made in college"

Huda Memon

Emily Ransdell

"Phi Theta Kappa has led me to people who have been fundamental for my growth. Joining PTK has given me a sense of community and support during my time at Delaware Technical Community College. With this scholarship, that support continues into my next journey. I am incredibly thankful to everyone in my chapter and the organization who has made this opportunity possible."

Emily Ransdell

Jose J Guizan Gonzalez

PTK has always supported me from the very beginning of my journey in the U.S. Being selected as a Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise and CCAT Silver Scholar has been a milestone in my academic journey. These two scholarships have not only softened my financial burdens through university, but also they have encouraged me to continue pursuing higher goals. I can only say: Thank you, PTK!!!

Jose J. Guizan Gonzalez

Heather O Donell

"Being named a 2021 PTK Guistwhite Scholar was a tremendous honor and highlight of my academic journey. With the assistance of this scholarship, I was able to graduate summa cum laude with a B.S. in Public Health from Rutgers University-New Brunswick in 2023 and conduct a senior honors research project focusing on breast cancer epidemiology, prevention, and treatment. Additionally, PTK served as a catalyst for my academic, personal, and professional growth. It allowed me to give back to my campus and community through various service projects, strengthen my leadership and communication skills, and meet like-minded people who have inspired me to break out of my comfort zone and achieve my goals. I will always cherish the incredible memories and friendships that I gained through PTK, and I will be eternally grateful to the PTK Guistwhite Foundation donors, my chapter advisor, and my fellow members and officers for believing in my potential to succeed. Throughout my healthcare career, I will continue to uphold the four PTK hallmarks that have been instilled in me: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Fellowship.”

Heather O’Donell

Britney Khan

“As a first-generation student, I set out to break the cycle and carve my own path. I began the pursuit of my tertiary education in the United States while shouldering the uncertainty of paying for college on my own and building a life far from my family. Being named a New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar through PTK has turned doubt into direction, easing the financial weight and surrounding me with a community that believes in my potential. With that faith and support, I am better equipped and even more driven to complete my bachelor's degree and translate this opportunity into service for vulnerable communities around the world.”

Britney Khan

Katie McClusky

"I came back to school to learn how to combine my science background in nursing with my creative side. By taking fine arts courses at Saddleback College, I’m understanding how to merge these two areas of science and the arts together to promote healing while also getting to further develop my unique voice and tell my own story. I’m so blessed for Phi Theta Kappa and the Cocoa Cola Gold Scholarship that sustains me financially and helps me grow as a leader to pave this new way forward."

Katie McClusky

Kiersten White

“I am truly honored to receive the Coca-Cola New Century Workforce Scholars Award. This wonderful opportunity, made possible by Phi Theta Kappa, allowed me to wholeheartedly focus on preparing for the licensure exam for physical therapist assistants. I feel incredibly supported and motivated as I take this significant step towards my career aspirations. Thank you so much, Phi Theta Kappa, for believing in me and helping me reach my career goals!”

Kiersten White

Every Gift Has Power

Your generosity fuels ambition, inspires persistence, and makes higher education more accessible to students who are ready to lead. Thank you for believing in the potential of Phi Theta Kappa scholars.

Have questions about giving? Contact us at foundation@ptk.org.