Cleveland State Community College student Alexandra Paladian is one of 10 students nationwide selected to receive the 2018 Pearson Scholarship for Higher Education, a $5,000 award.
The Pearson Scholarship for Higher Education is awarded to Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members who are civically engaged in their community through service and who demonstrate leadership, academic rigor and excellence. Preference is given to first-generation college students. Nearly 800 applications were received.
“We are so excited to welcome these 10 new scholars into the Pearson family,” said Lindsey Erlick, senior manager of Student Advocacy and Marketing at Pearson. “We look forward to seeing the impact that these scholars have on their campus, community, and future career.”
Each Pearson Scholar will receive $1,000 to complete an associate degree and $4,000 over two years to complete a bachelor’s degree. Scholars are also paired with a Pearson Mentor and will receive complimentary access to Pearson textbooks and online codes to support them as they complete their degrees.
“I applied for three scholarships and was hoping to get lucky,” stated Ms. Paladian. “I don’t think it has even sunk in yet that I received it, but it feels pretty great. This will definitely help out a lot.”
Ms. Paladian joined PTK after finding out about it through the CSCC Honor’s Program, and enjoys the community service projects that both clubs have to offer.
“Having a group of individuals that want to give back to the community is amazing,” stated Ms. Paladian. I like that we do something good, not only at the college, but with the whole town.”
“It is wonderful to assist Phi Theta Kappa members in applying for the national scholarships and to celebrate with them when they receive the news that they have been awarded,” stated PTK Advisor Karen Dale. “We have had several high honors for students in our Cleveland State Omega Omicron Chapter over the past few years, including Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise, Tennessee All-State Academic Team (with the top scoring Workforce student this year, Nathaneal Dimond, being honored in New York City this October), and now, Alexandra is one of 10 Pearson Scholars for Higher Education selected from over 800 applications.
“Our current officer team is working hard to put Cleveland State's Omega Omicron Chapter on the Top 100 list again this year. I'm so proud of all of these students and am thrilled to see them receive scholarships and national recognition.”
“We deeply appreciate Pearson’s partnership with Phi Theta Kappa to help our members complete both associate and baccalaureate degree programs,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, executive director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “The blend of financial and mentoring support provided by Pearson helps us assure success among these students. Congratulations to the scholarship recipients.”
Ms. Paladian has one more year at Cleveland State, but plans to transfer to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and major in biology. She eventually wants to go to medical school to become a dermatologist. She is the daughter of Roman and Nadia Binder of Cleveland.