A Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) student has been selected as a recipient of a national scholarship. Computer Networking major Massimiliano Simon received the $1,000 Chime Workforce Scholarship from the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation.

The Chime Workforce Scholarship recognizes high-achieving college students who are pursuing career and technical educational opportunities. This scholarship helps defray educational expenses while enrolled in a certificate or associate degree workforce development program at a two-year college. 

“We deeply appreciate the Chime Scholars Foundation’s investment in community college students and workforce development,” said MCCC President Dr. Vicki Bastecki-Perez. “This scholarship will make a meaningful difference in Massimiliano’s journey, and we are proud to celebrate his success.”

“At the Chime Scholars Foundation, we believe that career and technical education opens doors to financial progress and long-term opportunity,” said Jeni Izuel, president of the Chime Scholars Foundation. “We’re proud to support students who are working hard to gain in-demand skills and build better futures for themselves and their families.” 

Simon, of Cheltenham, who is scheduled to graduate after the fall 2025 semester, is one of 200 students to receive the Chime Workforce Scholarship.

“I am super excited to have received the Chime Workforce Scholarship. I have been working really hard throughout my time at Montco and am honored to have been recognized with this scholarship,” he said. “I also want to congratulate the other students who received the award. Helping students mitigate the amount of debt they accrue for an education is very important. I think Phi Theta Kappa is doing amazing work in that regard especially.”

“We are thrilled to launch this new program and award hardworking students with Chime Workforce Scholarships,” Amanda Karpinski Gorman, interim director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation said. “These scholarships support students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges, and we look forward to see all they go on to accomplish.”

The scholarship provided by Chime will help students cover costs of tuition, fees, and other educational expenses associated with completing their degree or certificate program.

After graduating, Simon plans to transfer to Drexel University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computing and security technology. 

“Without scholarships like this one, it would be much harder, if not impossible, for me and many other students to achieve these goals,” said Simon. “Thank you to Phi Theta Kappa, Montco, and the Chime Scholars Foundation for supporting students like me, who are working hard to chase their dreams.”