BC’s Mwihaki named 2019 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar

Brazosport College student Gilbert Mwihaki is one of 207 Phi Theta Kappa members named a 2019 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Mwihaki is a second-year BC student working toward an Associate of Arts degree. He’s planning to major in accounting once he completes his time at BC. Mwihaki, who moved to the United States from Kenya three years ago, was selected for this scholarship out of nearly 900 applicants.

“I’m really excited that I got this scholarship and I’m going to make good use of it,” Mwihaki said. “I was surprised to be selected for it because it was so competitive.

“This is one of the benefits of being a Phi Theta Kappa member,” he added. “I’d encourage more eligible students to consider joining this organization. I’m thankful for the help of my advisors, Cassie Bruner and Alicia Hodge. This is a great opportunity.”

Mwihaki is an active member of BC’s Psi Psi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and was inducted into the organization at the end of the 2019 spring semester. He will serve as the chapter’s Vice President of Leadership this upcoming academic year.

“Not only does Gilbert excel in his coursework, but he makes it a point to give back to his community and also takes advantage of any additional experience that will help him grow as a scholar and a leader,” Bruner said of Mwihaki. “His personal qualities make him stand out as an exceptional student and I am so thankful to have him as part of the Psi Psi Chapter and this year’s officer team.”

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 encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service and leadership potential.

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 Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and provides seven Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships, earmarked for international students.

“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, make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals, and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global community.”

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.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations. Learn more at ptk.org.