Psychology student Dayton Stone selected from a pool of nearly 1,500 applicants across the U.S.
Front Range Community College student Dayton Stone has been selected as a 2024 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. The scholarship, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, recognizes 210 Phi Theta Kappa members from around the country with awards totaling $210,000.
A panel of independent judges selected this year’s recipients from nearly 1,500 applicants. Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars are selected based on outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated leadership potential.
Dayton is working toward an associate of arts degree in psychology at FRCC. At age 36, he is a full-time student who also works a weekend job to make ends meet. Dayton says the scholarship will allow him to contribute more to his education and he is “incredibly grateful” for the opportunity.
From Struggling to Thriving
“I had a pretty rocky school experience from grade school through high school, so I didn’t think that college was in the cards for me,” he says. A passionate musician, Dayton worked what he calls dead-end jobs that allowed him to pursue his music career.
“At some point, the ambiguous path of the music industry became discouraging and started to steal some of my passion for music. I decided to try school again and, to my surprise, I found that I thrived.”
“I am so glad I gave myself another shot at it because I am loving it now.”
Dayton now plans to transfer to Regis University after this semester. Once he earns his bachelor’s degree, he plans to become a licensed therapist and hopes to open a private practice.
Finding Support at FRCC
As a first-generation college student, Dayton participates in the TRIO program at FRCC. “Everyone has been super warm, welcoming and helpful,” he says. “I highly encourage any first-generation students to check it out.”
Dayton’s time at FRCC has given him a path to a fresh start. “I love the idea that if I complete x-y-z classes I will have a degree and I can start a new career,” he says. “It is such a breath of fresh air after years of not knowing what the next step is in my music career.”
About the Scholarship
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 $210,000 will be awarded this year 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, which provides multiple 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 to 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.”
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 to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.3 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 Front Range Community College
Front Range Community College offers more than 200 degrees and certificates in a wide variety of programs from locations in Boulder County, Larimer County and Westminster—as well as online. FRCC is a member of the Colorado Community College System.
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, serving 114,000 students annually at 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities.
Media Contacts
PTK: Makayla Steede, press@ptk.org
FRCC: Jessica Peterson, Jessica.peterson@frontrange.edu
