Kalbaugh represents Maryland with Phi Theta Kappa award

NORTH EAST, Md: Cecil College announced that Crystal Kalbaugh has been named a 2026 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), recognizing her academic achievement, leadership, and service.

Kalbaugh will represent Maryland in the national program. Only one student from each state is selected.

“Being named a 2026 New Century Workforce Scholar is both humbling and empowering,” Kalbaugh said. “Returning to college as a working adult required commitment, balance, and sacrifice. Receiving this honor shows that it is never too late to pursue your goals. I am proud to represent students who work hard every day, and especially proud to represent Cecil College, whose commitment to student development and success makes achievements like this possible.”

The New Century Workforce Pathway Scholarship program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation with additional support from Phi Theta Kappa. Kalbaugh will receive a $1,500 scholarship and will be recognized at the College Presidents and New Century Scholars Recognition Luncheon on March 27 at noon in Baltimore.

An Elkton resident, Kalbaugh is working on an Applied Associate of Science in Bioproduction and a certificate in biological lab skills. She is also pursuing professional certifications while advancing her career in a quality lab.

“I would like to eventually return to school and pursue a bachelor’s degree,” said Kalbaugh, who will graduate from Cecil College in May 2026.

Kalbaugh recently completed an internship with the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) in Delaware. NIIMBL partners with the Manufacturing USA network to accelerate innovation in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, develop industry standards, and train the workforce. The work supports U.S. competitiveness in producing treatments such as vaccines and gene therapies.

“Crystal has distinguished herself as an exceptional student in Cecil College’s Bioproduction program, consistently demonstrating strong laboratory skills, initiative, and leadership in collaborative settings. She further expanded her training by earning a highly competitive internship with NIIMBL at the Wistar Institute, where she gained valuable hands-on biotechnology experience through Wistar’s Quality Science Education Credential and the Pathway for Patient Health Microcredential,” said Cecil College Professor of Biology Dr. Benjamin Rohe.

The New Century Workforce Pathway Scholarship supports students at associate degree-granting institutions nationwide who plan to enter the workforce after completing a degree or certificate. More than 2,300 students from nearly 1,400 college campuses were nominated this year.

“We congratulate Crystal for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with the Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize these outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this help create opportunities for students to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce and make college completion more attainable.”

“Our Bioproduction program is designed to prepare students for careers in the growing biomanufacturing workforce, and her selection as a 2026 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar by Phi Theta Kappa reflects both her dedication and the kind of student success we strive to cultivate,” said Dr. Rohe.

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for students at two-year colleges. The organization recognizes academic achievement and provides opportunities for leadership, service, and professional development. To qualify, students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. The Coca-Cola Foundation, established in 1984, is the global philanthropic arm of the Coca-Cola Co.

www.cecil.edu