April 21, 2026
Aurora, Colo. – Jessica Garel, a business student at the Community College of Aurora (CCA), has been named a 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar and received a $1,300 scholarship. Selected from a highly competitive national pool, Garel earned the recognition for her outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community service through Phi Theta Kappa. She served as the president of the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at CCA for the past year and will graduate this spring with a Certificate in Human Resource Management and an Associate of Arts in Business. She plans to transfer to Metropolitan State University of Denver to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
Garel has demonstrated her administrative leadership for years. In early 2024, she organized a men’s fashion show that earned coverage in 303 Magazine. She later went on to join the Fox LEADS (Leaders Engaged in Action Driven Service) program at CCA to develop her leadership skills further.
Garel’s recognition reflects CCA’s commitment to developing student leaders and creating pathways for academic excellence, workforce readiness and upward social mobility.
Most recently, Garel has fortified her professional development in a student work study position within CCA’s Human Resources and Personnel Success division. It was there that she worked with CCA’s Director of Personnel Success, Zach King.
One of the ways I have seen Jessica demonstrate leadership is the consistent initiative she takes to learn more about human resources, how to improve processes, and ways she can connect her teammates and fellow students to different resources,
said King. Jessica brings a wealth of experience to our team and is open to sharing her insight with others on the Human Resources team so that we revisit our processes and also improve them.
Because Coca-Cola Academic Team scholars must be nominated by a college administrator, King nominated Garel after witnessing her leadership, initiative, and work ethic firsthand.
Garel and other Coca-Cola Academic Team members were recognized in local and statewide ceremonies this spring, including Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention in Baltimore, Maryland last month.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,
said Jane Hale Paulsen, 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.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.
As Garel prepares to graduate this spring and continue her academic journey at Metropolitan State University of Denver, this national recognition underscores the impact of student leadership, persistence and community engagement at CCA, where students are empowered to transform their futures through education.
About the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates and empowers visionary leaders who are refreshing the world. Supporting more than 1,400 exceptional college students each year, it awards $3.55 million in scholarships annually through three nationally recognized programs. Learn more at coca-colascholarsfoundation.org.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF AURORA
The Community College of Aurora (CCA) provides high-quality instruction and student support services to Aurora, Centennial, and Denver, Colorado. With a vision to aspire to be a college where every student succeeds, CCA is the most diverse college in the State of Colorado. Focused on creating social and economic mobility for its students, the college offers courses on three campuses, online, and through its high school concurrent enrollment programs. For more information, visit www.ccaurora.edu.
CONTACT
Courtney Butler
Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Special Initiatives
Strategic Communications and Alumni Engagement
P: 303-340-7201 | E: [email protected]