Two Queensborough Students Receive The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship
Queensborough students Aaliyah Anderson and Pamela De Leon Berroa don’t have much in common: the former is a psychology major with an interest in writing and staying connected to her Jamaican background, while the latter is a criminal justice major with a passion for cooking and spending time with her cocker spaniel.
However, there is one attribute they share: they’re both Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship winners — an achievement they both take great pride in.
“Winning the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship feels both exciting and humbling,” Anderson stated. “It’s an honor to be recognized for my hard work and potential, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward in my studies and personal growth. Being picked for this scholarship really showed me that anything is possible and as long as I keep my faith in God, he will make all doors open for me.”
“Receiving the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship is an amazing honor,” Berroa said echoing her co-winner's sentiments. “It feels like all of the hard work I’ve put in at Queensborough is being recognized, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward in my education and community involvement.”
The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship is just one of the many scholarships offered by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society. It’s offered to students currently enrolled in an associate degree program, awarding $1000 to its winners.
Of course, as is the case with PTK scholarships, being enrolled in an associate degree program is just one of the criteria applicants must meet, which include:
- 3.50 or higher GPA on coursework completed in the last 5 years.
- Completed at least 12 credit hours but no more than 36 by January 31, 2026.
- Hold a residency status that makes you eligible to apply for Federal Financial Aid
Unsurprisingly, both students don’t just meet these criteria — they exceed them (as is typically the case with PTK members). Not just in academics, but also outside the classroom.
“I’ve been part of Phi Theta Kappa, Student Government, and research projects on campus that focus on migration stories,” Berroa stated. “Being active at Queensborough has helped me find my voice and connect with others who care about leadership and community.”
“On campus I haven’t been active much, but I do plan to become more active though my honor society Phi Theta Kappa. I look forward to volunteering at events and fundraisers,” remarked Anderson. “I stay active outside of campus by engaging in activities that strengthen my leadership skills and allow me to connect with others who are also passionate about learning and growth.”
With this victory secured, both now have the funds to safely continue their progress towards their associate degree and ultimately graduate in 2026. And once they do, both have plans as to what they want to do next.
Berroa will be headed to Macaulay Honors College at Baruch where she will lay the foundations for a career as an immigration attorney. Meanwhile, Anderson will continue her studies in psychology in the hopes of becoming a licensed psychologist specializing in work with underserved communities.
Congratulations, way to start off the semester on a high note!
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