NDSCS Students Recognized for Academic Excellence
North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) proudly recognizes the academic excellence of two students recently honored by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges.
Cierra Erickson, a Dental Hygiene student at NDSCS, has been named a 2025 New Century Workforce Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship. 
New Century Workforce Scholars are selected based on academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. More than 2,100 applications were submitted from over 1,300 college campuses nationwide, with only one Workforce Scholar selected from each state.
Erickson earned the top score among North Dakota applicants in the All-USA Academic Team Competition. She also serves as the Vice President of Scholarship for the NDSCS PTK Beta Mu Rho chapter, helping connect members with scholarship opportunities. In addition, she is Co-President of HOSA–Future Health Professionals during its inaugural year as an NDSCS student organization. Erickson is also an active participant in the Science of Leadership program at NDSCS, an immersive leadership experience that fosters skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and self-reflection.
“Cierra has truly challenged herself to get involved on campus this year and has stepped up to take on leadership roles,” said Erin Johnson, NDSCS PTK advisor. “It has been exciting to watch her grow as a leader, gaining confidence and making a meaningful impact along the way.”
NDSCS has a long-standing tradition of producing New Century Scholars and is proud to count Cierra Erickson among its many high-achieving graduates.
Kaylee Stegora, a Liberal Arts student at NDSCS, has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars each year, awarding nearly $200,000 in scholarships. Each recipient also receives a commemorative medallion.
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, 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 global community leaders.”
Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators and selected based on academic achievement, leadership, and service to both college and community.
“Kaylee represents everything we hope for in a student scholar—dedicated, community-minded, and driven to achieve both in and outside the classroom,” said Jeff Hart, NDSCS PTK advisor. “Her commitment to personal and academic growth will make a lasting impact.”
