Military Student named a 2017 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar

Cochise College student Jason Thompson is one of 207 Phi Theta Kappa members named a 2017 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the U.S. military. Nearly 1,000 applications were received for the scholarship.

Thompson who has served in the Army since 1998 was 1 of 25 students selected for the military distinction awarded by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.

Thompson has completed tours in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. After battling PTSD for some years, Thompson decided to attend Cochise College for a degree so that one day he could be a social worker for the Veteran Affairs PTSD Rehabilitation Program.

“Most recently, I was diagnosed with PTSD which I have been in denial about for years. In August, I attended a VA Rehabilitation Program in Denver, Colorado… Upon accepting that I have PTSD, I began to be more open-minded to the treatment, was more present, and began to absorb the information given in the classes. It was at that moment I discovered my life’s purpose, to give back to the program that has helped me and to help others like me,” said Thompson.

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.

“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 Phi Theta Kappa 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.”

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are also encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential.

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of community college students and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in nine nations. Learn more at ptk.org.