Area student named scholar for competitive workforce program
Ryan Downs of Stamps, Ark., has been named a 2019 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar and will receive a $1,250 scholarship.
Downs is a student at the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana where he is pursuing an associate of applied science degree in power technologies with an emphasis in electrical instrumentation.
This scholarship is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions who plan to enter the workforce upon the completion of a degree or certificate on a national scale. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa.
“Education helps ensure that young people can realize their full potential,” said Helen Smith Price, president of The Coca-Cola Foundation. “The Coca-Cola Foundation places a high priority on supporting education to help build strong communities.”
New Century Workforce Pathway Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Over 2,000 students were nominated from more than 1,200 college campuses across the country. Only one New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar was selected from each state.
“We congratulate Ryan for receiving this prestigious scholarship and we are honored to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize his outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s president and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for students to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce and for putting college completion within reach.”
The New Century Workforce Pathway Scholars will be recognized in October during the Association of Community College Trustees’ Congress in San Francisco.