CCC Student Who Turned Her Life Around Earns $1,000 Scholarship

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A recovering addict who has turned her life around and is now set to graduate from Camden County College has been named a 2018 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar by the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society.

Tiffaney Tango is one of 207 members to earn that distinction and will receive a $1,000 scholarship, according to the college. She will graduate in the spring as a dual major in Human Services and Addictions Counseling, and intends to attend Rowan University. She has been clean for five years.

“My sponsor was president of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society at CCC, and she told me about the organization,” Tango said. “So I joined, and when I was on the website I saw the scholarship and applied.”

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are also encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. More than 1,200 applications were received.

“Camden County College is proud to hear Ms. Tango is one of the 2018 recipients,” Camden County College President Donald A. Borden said. “As a community college, we always strive to not only provide excellent academic programs that lead to jobs, but also opportunities for students to enter leadership roles that prepare them for their chosen careers. The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise national scholarship is a wonderful resume builder for our students and Ms. Tango certainly exemplifies the qualities of the scholarship.”

“Tiffany has served as co-secretary for the Addiction Counseling Club as well as a member of the Diversity Club here on campus,” Tango’s professor Leroy Stanford said. “Tiffany participated in various community support advocacy projects the Addiction Club support last year and I look forward to having her back in a leadership role for the club and the next phase of success for the Addiction Counseling Program and Camden County College.”

A total of $207,000 is awarded 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 U.S. military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and provides seven 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,” Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Executive Vice President Jane Hale Hopkins said. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa, make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals, and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global community.”

“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” Phi Theta Kappa Foundation Executive Director Dr. Monica Marlowe said. “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.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 10 nations. Learn more at ptk.org.

Tango also received two other scholarships from the college. She received the Addictions Counseling Club Scholarship and one of the Riletta L. Cream Scholarships.

“I feel proud because of how far I have come in life,” Tango said.

The attached image of Tiffaney Tango was provided