BLOOMINGTON — Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington radiation therapy student Branden Ballard has been named a 2024 New Century Workforce Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
Over 2,200 students from more than 1,300 college campuses nationwide were nominated, and only one New Century Workforce Scholar was selected from each state.
The scholarship is the first to support students at associate degree-granting institutions nationally as they plan to enter the workforce upon completing a degree or certificate. The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society sponsor the program.
“Winning the 2024 New Century Workforce Scholarship from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is an incredible honor. Beyond the financial assistance it provides for my education, this achievement validates my hard work and dedication to my academic and career pursuits,” Ballard said. “This scholarship opens doors to opportunities I may not have had access to otherwise, allowing me to further my education and pursue my career aspirations confidently.”
New Century Workforce Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom.
“We congratulate Braden on receiving this prestigious scholarship and are honored to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize these 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.”
Ballard serves as vice president for Ivy Tech Bloomington Student Government Association and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Alpha Rho Sigma chapter. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business marketing from Indiana University Kelley School of Business.
New Century Workforce Scholars will be recognized at a Seattle, Wash. ceremony this fall.
About The Coca-Cola Foundation
The Coca-Cola Foundation is the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company. Since its inception in 1984, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 billion in grants to support sustainable community initiatives worldwide. For more information about The Coca-Cola Foundation, visit coca-colagivingback.com.
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them grow as scholars and leaders. The Society has more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College (ivytech.edu) is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s most extensive singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the community’s needs. The College provides seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana and out of state for a more affordable route to a bachelor’s degree. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
