Lea Gamble, a building construction management student at Ivy Tech Community College Northeast, has received a $1,000 scholarship from Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society as a 2015 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar.

Gamble first took classes at Ivy Tech Northeast as a dual credit student at Huntington North High School. She became a full-time student in fall 2014.

“This scholarship helps complete my education at Ivy Tech without burdening my parents with college expenses,” Gamble says. “They already do so much for me, and I don’t want them to worry about me getting the most out of my education. This scholarship helps take the financial burden of college off of my family.”

As a 2015 Coca-Cola Leader of Promise Scholar, Gamble is one of 207 Phi Theta Kappa members who have been awarded a total of $207,000 in scholarships. Chosen from more than 1,100 applications worldwide, the $1,000 scholarships are for associate degree studies. Independent judges evaluate the applications based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential.

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program provides new Phi Theta Kappa members with financial resources to help defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are also encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs.

“When I found out I was selected to receive this scholarship, it proved to me that my goals are considered worthwhile by others enough for them to support me,” Gamble says. “It made me believe that I’m headed in the right direction and that other people want me to keep going until I reach my goals.”

Phi Theta Kappa, headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, is the largest honor society in higher education with 1,285 chapters on college campuses in all 50 of the United States, U.S. territorial possessions and eight sovereign nations. More than 3 million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 134,000 students inducted annually.

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.