Kilgore College student Sherane Bais of Liberty City has been named a 2026 New Century Workforce Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
The scholarship is the first national program designed to support students at associate degree-granting institutions who plan to enter the workforce upon completing a degree or certificate. The program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society.
New Century Workforce Scholars are selected based on academic accomplishments, leadership, activities and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. More than 2,300 students from nearly 1,400 college campuses nationwide were nominated. Only one scholar was selected from each state.
Bais is majoring in administrative office professional studies at KC and plans to enter the workforce as an administrative assistant in a business office setting after completing her studies.
“We congratulate Sherane for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize these outstanding achievements,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of PTK. “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 2026 New Century Workforce Scholars will be recognized at PTK’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, scheduled for March 26-28 in Baltimore.
About the Coca-Cola Foundation:
The Coca-Cola Foundation is the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Co. Since its inception in 1984, the foundation has awarded more than $1 billion in grants to support sustainable community initiatives worldwide.
About Phi Theta Kappa:
Phi Theta Kappa is the first 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 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, including approximately 220,000 active members nationwide. For more information about PTK at KC, visit www.kilgore.edu/ptk.