PBSC Student Named 2026 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar

When Palm Beach State College student Chiara Scherat applied to study in the United States, her journey hinged on a race against the clock. Today, the Germany native is earning national recognition for her leadership as a newly named 2026 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar.

Scherat is one of approximately 200 students nationwide to receive the $1,000 award. Administered by PTK and funded through the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the scholarship helps new PTK members pursuing associate degrees defray educational costs.

Following a long-term internship in Germany, the decision to study abroad began as what Scherat called a “crazy idea” suggested by her mom just a month before the College’s application deadline. With international visas creating uncertainty, Scherat secured her visa just eight days before classes began.

Since starting PBSC in 2025, Scherat has maintained a 4.0 GPA, joined the Dr. Floyd F. Koch Honors College, and earned a Student Excellence Award in mathematics. She works at the Student Learning Center where she helps her peers connect with tutoring and academic resources. Scherat also serves as CEO of the Business Leadership Club, is a member of the Student Conduct Hearing Committee, and has recently taken on the role of social media manager for Students for International Understanding.

“The step of getting involved was the right choice because it helped me find people and friends that I probably wouldn’t have found as quickly,” Scherat said.

Even before meeting Scherat in person, Daniel Alvarez, PTK Advisor of Delta Omicron Chapter, was excited and happy to support her success.

Alvarez wrote that the scholarship reflects more than Scherat’s academic performance; it also speaks to her leadership potential, campus engagement, and commitment to personal growth.

“As an international student, Chiara brings a global perspective to the Palm Beach State community,” Alvarez wrote. “Her experiences navigating a new country and educational system have shaped her interest in working in a multilingual, international environment.”

Scherat learned she won the scholarship via an email she received during a visit home to Germany. “It was a good end-of-day thing to hear,” she said, describing the win as luck and a leap of faith.

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise program awards scholarships annually, funded through the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, including dedicated Global Leaders of Promise awards reserved for international students.

Scherat will graduate this fall with an Associate in Arts degree and plans to transfer to a four-year institution to study management and international business while continuing her involvement with PTK.