DeLand High Student Ai Hancock selected as 2022 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar

Pursuing dual-enrollment at Daytona State, she is one of just 207 recognized nationwide

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. (September 2, 2022) – DeLand High School student Ai Hancock – who is dual-enrolled at Daytona State College – is one of 207 Phi Theta Kappa members nationwide who have been named a 2022 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. 

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program is designed to help new PTK members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars receive a $1,000 scholarship and are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs. Selections are based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. More than 900 applications were received for the award this year.

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

Hancock is very active in high school, participating in varsity track for four years, the National Honor Society for three years and ROTC for two years, among many other activities.

“Giving back to my community has always been something I’ve loved to do,” Hancock said. “I’ve volunteered at multiple places, but the most important have been the soup kitchen and a 5K race. The race raises money for cancer research and the creators were my elementary school teachers. Volunteering has molded me into the emerging leader I am today.”

When she was nine years old, Hancock was attacked by a dog and left with hundreds of stitches on her face. As a result, she is inspired to help children who have suffered traumatic injuries. Now dual-enrolled at Daytona State and the University of Florida, she wants to pursue a career as a physician’s assistant specializing in children’s cosmetic surgery.

“I want to help make a difference in children’s lives, especially since I can relate to their struggles,” Hancock said. “I want to show them that this is only one moment of your life, and it does not define you.”

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Offering more than 100 certificate, associate and bachelor’s degree programs, Daytona State College is the leader in education and workforce training needs of Volusia and Flagler counties and beyond for more than 60 years. The College enrolls approximately 25,000 students a year at its seven campuses, with graduates serving in critical fields including healthcare, emergency services and public safety, business, education, hospitality, engineering, technology, digital media, and more.

Daytona State has been recognized as a leader in higher education numerous times, consistently by U.S. News & World Report, which ranks the College among the Top Tier Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. The U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency Center has ranked DSC among the top 50 most affordable public four-year institutions in the country, with less than half the tuition of the national average. Community College Week, a leading publication in higher education, annually continues to feature the college in its list of Top 100 Associate Degree Producers. And U.S. News & World Report has ranked DSC among its Top Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans multiple times.