A Pleasantville woman is the state's to receive a scholarship for those preparing to enter the workforce.
Jocelyn Caceres, who graduated last year from Atlantic Cape Community College’s Academy of Culinary Arts, is the state's New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar recipient.
Caceres will be recognized during the Association of Community College Trustees’ Leadership Congress in Seattle.
She will receive a $1,500 scholarship, which is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions of higher learning on a national scale as they plan to enter the workforce upon completion of their degree or certificate.
“Being named the 2024 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar is a testament to all my hard work and dedication that I have put towards my education and career path," said Caceres, who is currently working and utilizing her culinary arts and hospitality education. "I am immensely honored to receive this astonishing award and to make Atlantic Cape proud. This scholarship is a generous blessing. I hope to put it to good use in furthering my career and potentially picking up some new classes to help me reach my goals.”
New Century Workforce Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom.
More than 2,200 students from more than 1,300 college campuses nationwide were nominated. Only one New Century Workforce Scholar is selected from each state.
“We congratulate Jocelyn for receiving this prestigious scholarship and we are honored to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize her outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral to creating opportunities for students to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce and for putting college completion within reach.”
The New Century Workforce Pathway Scholarship program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation with additional support provided by Phi Theta Kappa.
The applications were evaluated on academic achievement, leadership, service and significant endeavors. Caceres received the highest score in the state.
“Thank you to all those who have supported me and believed in me," she said. "Receiving this award wouldn’t have been possible without all of you. Working with people is what I love to do and I hope that one day I am given the opportunity to give back to my community."
