JACKSON, MISS. – Northwest College student Matilde Bilia has been named a 2026 New Century Workforce Scholar and will receive a first of its kind $1,500 scholarship. The scholarship was created to support students at associate degree-granting institutions on a national scale as they plan to enter the workforce upon completing a degree or certificate. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
New Century Workforce Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. More than 2,300 students from nearly 1,400 college campuses nationwide were nominated. Only one New Century Workforce Scholar was selected from each state.
Matilde came to Northwest College from Pisa, Italy as a first-generation college student after two years in the U.S. working as an au pair. She is scheduled to graduate in December of 2026 with an Associate of Applied Science in Business, and a Skills Certificate in Digital and Social Media, with plans to transfer to a university for further education. Long-term, Matilde plans to pursue a career in wine marketing and has already completed the sommelier certification through the Associazione Italiana Sommelier (AIS).
While working two jobs on campus and maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Matilde is able to support herself financially by covering her education and living expenses. She speaks Italian, English, and Spanish, and is currently learning Portuguese.
“My experience of living in different places and constantly adapting to new environments, cultures, and languages has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone many times and learn how to build connections with people from very different backgrounds,” Matilde said. “I’d also like to say to NWC President Lisa Watson, thank you for creating opportunities for international students and for supporting events where we can share our cultures with the campus. They help us feel welcomed, understood, and part of the community. Supporting international students can truly change their lives by giving them the chance to grow, learn, and build a future far from home.”
“We congratulate Matilde for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize these outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO, Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for students to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce and for putting college completion within reach.”
The New Century Workforce Scholars will be recognized at Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, in Baltimore, Maryland, March 26-28.
About The Coca-Cola Foundation
The Coca-Cola Foundation is the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company.
Since its inception in 1984, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 billion in grants
to support sustainable community initiatives around the world. For more information
about The Coca-Cola Foundation, please visit coca-colagivingback.com.
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to
grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members
and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members
in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.