Two South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) students, Adrianne Cadwell and Erlinda Vergara, have been named 2026 Chime Workforce Scholars, joining 200 students nationwide recognized for their academic achievement and pursuit of career-focused education.
The Chime Workforce Scholarship, funded by the Chime Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Foundation, provides each scholar with $1,000 to help cover educational expenses while completing a certificate or associate degree that prepares them to enter the workforce in a high-demand field.
“At the Chime Scholars Foundation, we believe that career and technical education open doors to financial progress and long-term opportunity. We’re proud to support students who are working hard to gain in-demand skills and build better futures for themselves and their families,” said Jeni Izuel, president of the Chime Scholars Foundation.
Adrianne is pursuing two Associate in Applied Science degrees at SPSCC: Cybersecurity and Network Administration and Information Technology Computer Support. A member of the President's List and PTK, she is building a strong foundation through her academic achievements. She plans to pursue a career in information technology management, combining her technical education with previous management and administrative experience.
Erlinda is also pursuing an Associate in Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity and Network Administration at SPSCC. She has consistently earned recognition on the President's List and is an active member of PTK. She is also involved in the college’s IGNITE program, VALOR Center, and serves as treasurer of the Mad Hatters Cybersecurity Club. After graduation, Erlinda plans to continue her education, gain hands-on experience in the field, and pursue a career in cybersecurity.
“Adrianne and Erlinda exemplify the dedication and commitment to learning that we see in so many of our students at SPSCC,” said Alexis Calma, advisor for SPSCC's PTK chapter. “They have worked hard to achieve their academic goals while actively engaging in campus and community activities. This scholarship recognizes not only their accomplishments, but also the positive impact they will have in the workforce and their communities.”
"We are thrilled to launch this new program and award hardworking students with Chime Workforce Scholarships,” Amanda Karpinski Gorman, executive director of the PTK Foundation, said. “These scholarships support students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges, and we look forward to seeing all they go on to accomplish."
The Chime Workforce Scholarship supports students preparing for high-demand careers that strengthen their communities and local economies. By helping students complete their education and earn workforce credentials, the program helps create a stronger pipeline of skilled workers in fields where they are needed most.
