NPC News

National Park College student Ali Meeks was recently awarded the Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholarship and the New Century Transfer Pathway Scholarship for a total of $3,250 in scholarships. She is currently completing her associate degree in nursing.

Meeks is the vice president of fellowship and fundraising for Alpha Beta Psi, NPC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK).

The Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholarship helps Phi Theta Kappa members overcome unanticipated financial barriers preventing the completion of their first college credential, associate degree, or certificate. Meeks is one of seven students selected internationally to receive the award.

The scholarship is named for its benefactors, Rosemary and Lou Oberndorf. Lou co-founded METI, a world leader in medical education technology whose products are used in many community colleges as well as in the world’s leading medical schools. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation Board of Trustees. “Without a doubt, the Oberndorf Scholarship has a tremendous impact on the lives of these hard-working, high-achieving students, making it possible for them to complete their associate degrees,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “We are grateful to the Oberndorf family for their commitment to helping students achieve their educational goals. Congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients!”

Meeks has also been named a 2021 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar and will receive a $2,250 scholarship.

New Century Transfer Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Over 2,000 students were nominated from more than 1,200 college campuses across the country. Only one New Century Transfer Scholar is selected from each state.

The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

“We congratulate Ali for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and the AACC to recognize her outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for two-year college students to succeed and for putting college completion within reach.”

“Receiving these scholarships through PTK is such a blessing. Continuing my education is something in which I believe in very strongly. Without the opportunity to achieve scholarship funding, I would not be able to attend college nor further my education. These scholarships will allow me to focus on my studies instead of paying for tuition. Getting an education means the world to me,” said Meeks.