Kennesaw State recently selected 35 students as part of the first cohort of the Coca-Cola First Generation and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Scholars program.
The program began during the fall semester and provides each recipient with a $5,000 scholarship reward. The program was made available for first-generation students — students that are the first in their immediate families to seek a four-year degree — and underrepresented STEM students at KSU.
According to KSU’s website, the students were selected based on financial need, GPA, academic major and a scholarship essay submitted by each applicant. The $5,000 scholarship will be coupled with the HOPE scholarship to help alleviate financial stress and help cover tuition, fees and textbook expenses.
The Coca-Cola Foundation donated $1.25 million to KSU earlier this year in March in order to create this program and support first-generation students — Coca-Cola’s first major grant to KSU, according to KSU’s website.
Coca-Cola will also provide recipients of the scholarship with mentors and on-campus graduation coaches to answer any questions students might have during their venture at KSU. Students will be required to visit with their graduation coaches at least once per month throughout the semester.
Students will also participate in a series of workshops throughout the four-year program, according to KSU’s website.
The application for the program became available to students in December 2017 and remained open until April 1, 2018. Interviews based on the applications began later in April. The applications were then narrowed down to 35 students.
“At KSU, we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive, and the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is truly an extension of those efforts,” KSU President Pamela Whitten said. “I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to The Coca-Cola Foundation for making this program a reality. We are so proud of what these students have already accomplished and look forward to watching them soar as Owls.”
