A Montgomery County Community College Human Services major has been selected as a recipient of a national scholarship by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.

Kimberly Madera, 20, of Norristown, is one of 220 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members named a 2025 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship. PTK is the international honor society for two-year colleges.

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new PTK 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. More than 600 applications were received.

"Montco takes great pride in fostering an environment where students like Kimberly can thrive and achieve their goals,” said MCCC President Dr. Vicki Bastecki-Perez. “This scholarship not only affirms her dedication and talent but also highlights the important role Phi Theta Kappa plays in supporting and celebrating student success.”

Madera, a 2022 Central Montco Technical High School and Norristown Area High School graduate, was surprised to receive the scholarship, she said.

After enrolling at the College as an online student in fall of 2023, Madera said it took time to find her footing academically but got the help she needed through several on-campus resources. She was connected with the Act 101 Scholars program, which provides free personalized coaching and mentoring, educational planning, tutoring, career planning and outreach to students facing educational, personal and financial challenges. She was also connected with Wellness Services, which provides assistance with everything from mental health support and emotional well-being to physical health, stress management, and access to essential resources like food assistance, parenting support, and housing connections. Then Madera scheduled regular appointments with Tutorial Services to help improve her grades.

The support she received made a big difference, she said. 

“I do love Montco a lot,” she said. “I like how everybody is like a community— very supportive and friendly. On campus, even if they don’t know you, we’re like a family. The staff is very kind. They stop just to check up on you. That’s what we need.”

As Madera began to turn her grades around, she also got involved in many on-campus clubs and activities. In the spring of 2025, she was inducted into PTK and is the current co-president of MCCC’s PTK Blue Bell Campus chapter, Alpha Kappa Zeta. She previously served as the chapter secretary. She is also president of Timeless Creations Photography Club and treasurer of La Hacienda, the Latino heritage club. 

In addition, she is a member of the Sexual Alliance, Fellowship, International, Film Society, Sustainability and Honors clubs. She also volunteers with Luv Michael, a nonprofit organization that engages student volunteers to raise awareness and support individuals with autism.

Madera is the recipient of several scholarships and was named to the Dean’s Commendation List. 

Her goal is to transfer to four-year partner school, Gwynedd Mercy University, to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work and psychology after graduating in 2027 or 2028. She’s also currently studying nights at the Dotlen Academy of Science, in Norristown, to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. She wants to begin working in a nursing home and one day become a registered nurse and a social worker. 

“I do love Montco a lot. I like how everybody is like a community— very supportive and friendly. On campus, even if they don’t know you, we’re like a family. The staff is very kind. They stop just to check up on you. That’s what we need.”-Kimberly Madera

A total of $220,000 will be awarded this year 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, which provides multiple 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 Paulsen, 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 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 Amanda Karpinski Gorman, Interim 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.”