James Unterwald, a resident of Stewartsville and an Unmanned Aerial Systems ( Drone Technology) student at Warren Community College, has been named a 2020 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. Unterwald, one of only about 200 recipients country-wide, will receive a $1,000 scholarship for his efforts en route to his pursuit of an AAS degree.   

A member of the community college national honor society, Phi Theta Kappa, Unterwald is a non-traditional student who will graduate in the Spring 2021. Unterwald previously worked in the food service and customer service management industries. 

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. Nearly 700 applications were received.  

“I did not expect to get the scholarship but I was very hopeful,” admitted Unterwald, who grew up in Union. “I’m overjoyed because this is the first time I’ve ever been awarded for academic performance.”

Unterwald has been extremely involved in the drone program as more than just a student.

“I love being at Warren and working with the drone program,” he said. “Dr. (Will) Austin (College President) made me a lab assistant earlier this year and I am also the group leader that helped the school get a waiver from the FAA to fly over people.”

Unterwald tips his hat to his wife Michelle, who graduated from Warren Community College in 2018, for his new pursuit. 

“I needed a new career path and wanted to get a degree, so I thought that this would be a fun way to spend time in a new career until I’m ready for retirement,” said Unterwald, who is also very active in the PTK honor society chapter where he is the Vice President of Leadership. “After my wife graduated here I just thought that I’d like it.”

A total of $207,000 is awarded through the Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for the scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the United States military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and provides seven Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships, earmarked for international students. 

“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global community.”  

The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid college completion, but also give students the opportunity to engage in PTK Society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities.  

“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “The Leaders of Promise Scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.” 

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier 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 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.  

For more about degree and non-degree programs at Warren Community College visit warren.edu.