Jocelyn Caceres, a member of Atlantic Cape Community College’s Academy of Culinary Arts Class of 2023, has been selected as the State of New Jersey’s 2024 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar recipient. Caceres will be recognized during the Association of Community College Trustees’ (ACCT) Leadership Congress in Seattle, WA in October.
Caceres, who resides in Pleasantville, NJ and earned her Associate in Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts, 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. I am immensely honored to receive this astonishing award and to make Atlantic Cape proud,” said Caceres, who is currently working and utilizing her culinary arts and hospitality education. “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. Over 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. More than 2,200 applications were received and evaluated on academic achievement, leadership, service, and significant endeavors. Caceres received the highest score in the State of New Jersey.
“Thank you to all those who have supported me and believed in me. 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,” concluded Caceres.
