MILES CITY, MONTANA: Bree Swanson, a sophomore at Miles Community College (MCC), has been named a 2025 New Century Workforce Scholar. She will receive a $1,500 scholarship through a national program sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society.
Swanson, originally from Belt, Montana, and currently earning her Graphic and Web Design degree through MCC, is one of only 51 students nationwide selected for this recognition (one from each state). Nearly 2,100 students from over 1,300 college campuses were nominated for the honor. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, campus and community involvement, and a demonstrated commitment to entering the workforce after graduation.
“This award means hard work over the years has paid off,” Swanson said. “It’s amazing to have strangers believing in me!”
During her time at MCC, Swanson has been actively involved on campus and has served on the Student Senate, played for the Pioneer Women’s Volleyball team for the past two seasons, and participated in both PTK and the Young Farmers and Ranchers Club.
“Bree is an amazing member of our MCC PTK chapter and incredibly deserving of this honor,” stated MCC Business Instructor and PTK Advisor Kristy Atwood. “She’s receiving this national recognition because of her strong leadership skills and her commitment to helping others. I am so proud!”
The New Century Workforce Scholarship is the first national scholarship program that specifically supports students at associate degree-granting institutions as they prepare to enter the workforce.
“Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for students to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce and for putting college completion within reach,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa.
Swanson plans to graduate this spring with an Associate of Applied Science degree and pursue a career in livestock and small business marketing, with a focus on social media, catalogs, and photography/videography.
Swanson notes that she is excited by the future and thanks those around her for earning the New Century Workforce Scholar honor. “It’s really uplifting to see the encouragement through this award and being noticed by my peers and instructors.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org
