Excellence has a way of standing out—and this year, two Front Range Community College students are being recognized among the nation’s best.
FRCC students Quynh Anh Do and Alejandro Garcia have been named members of the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team, which highlights some of the top community college students across the country.
The honor comes with $1,300 scholarships and recognizes their strong academic performance, leadership and dedication to serving their communities. This recognition also reflects the talent, dedication and leadership found throughout the FRCC community along with the bright futures these students are building through their education.
Meet the Students
Alejandro Garcia
Alejandro Garcia is an electrical engineering student at FRCC’s Westminster Campus, completing his Associate of Engineering Science and graduating this May. He plans to transfer to the Colorado School of Mines to pursue a bachelor’s degree. On campus, he serves as secretary of the Engineering Club and leads FRCC’s team in a NASA-affiliated robotics challenge, where he manages project development and team coordination.
He has maintained a 4.0 GPA while actively engaging in leadership, research and support programs such as Phi Theta Kappa and TRIO. A first-generation student originally from Guatemala, Alejandro also works as a student assistant in the mathematics and engineering departments and the Dean’s Office, contributing to campus operations and student support.
Beyond school, he founded the Academic Community of Exact Sciences, a tutoring network that now supports more than 500 students in Guatemala. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a career in software development with a focus on systems security, continue into graduate studies and eventually create technology solutions that improve security and expand educational opportunities.
Quynh Anh Do
Quynh Anh Do is a first-generation college student at FRCC who is graduating this semester with an associate degree in science and plans to transfer to the University of Colorado Boulder. While working full-time and learning in her second language, she successfully navigated the challenges of higher education, demonstrating resilience, determination and strong academic commitment.
Quynh Anh’s accomplishments extend beyond academics. She has balanced a rigorous schedule—working early mornings while attending school full-time—while prioritizing her mental health and utilizing campus resources such as counseling services. Her dedication has not only led to her own success but has also inspired members of her family to pursue education.
A key part of her success has been her involvement in FRCC’s TRIO program, where she actively engaged in academic advising, transfer preparation and personal development. Through this support, she developed the skills needed to persist through demanding circumstances, including burnout and language barriers.
Looking ahead, she aims to become a therapist, using her experiences to help others overcome their own challenges.
What is the Coca-Cola Academic Team?
Sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the program celebrates students who excel both in the classroom and beyond.
Do and Garcia will be recognized at state and local ceremonies throughout the spring. They will also receive international recognition at Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, taking place March 26–28 in Baltimore, Maryland. During the event, Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholars from across the country will be honored during the Parade of Scholars.
A Prestigious National Award
Students are nominated by college administrators and selected based on academic excellence, leadership and involvement on campus and in their communities. These awards highlight not only the accomplishments of Do and Garcia, but also FRCC’s commitment to supporting student success and creating opportunities for its students to thrive.
Each year, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards nearly $200,000 in scholarships through the program. In addition to their scholarships, honorees also receive commemorative medallions recognizing their achievement.
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” says Jane Hale Paulsen, president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to help deserving students achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s global community leaders.”
Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa, highlighted the impact scholarships like these can have on students’ futures.
“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” she says. “Scholarships like these are integral to helping students reach their educational and career goals.”
About Front Range Community College
FRCC is Colorado’s largest community college, serving more than 27,000 students each year. With courses offered at multiple locations, online and through our high school concurrent enrollment programs, at FRCC, learners can choose from more than 200 degrees and certificates in a wide variety of fields. For more information, visit frontrange.edu.
The college’s strategic plan, Forward, Together, focuses on five strategic priorities:
- Learning Without Limits
- Success for Every Learner
- Vibrant Culture
- College Excellence
- Transformational Partnerships
FRCC is proud to be part of the Colorado Community College System, advancing educational access and workforce development across the state.
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) CCCS comprises 13 colleges and more than 35 locations, serving over 124,000 students annually. Together, its colleges play a vital role in delivering workforce-aligned education, expanding economic mobility, and serving as the first and best path to opportunity for Coloradans of all backgrounds.
About the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates and empowers visionary leaders who are refreshing the world. Each year, the foundation supports more than 1,400 exceptional college students and awards $3.55 million in scholarships through three nationally recognized programs.
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for students at associate degree-granting colleges. With more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, the society recognizes academic achievement and helps students grow as scholars and leaders.
