IVC student Allyson Najera is one of 15 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members selected as a 2023 Hites Scholar and will receive a $10,000 scholarship for baccalaureate studies.
The Hites Transfer Scholarship is awarded to PTK members who are preparing to transfer to a bachelor’s degree-granting college or university. Winners were selected from among 2,700 applicants nationwide for their outstanding academic achievement and rigor, leadership accomplishments, and engagement in college and community activities.
Allyson, who is co-vice president of IVC’s PTK Club, will graduate next week with an associate in arts degree. In addition to the Hites Scholar award, Allyson has also received a UC Regents Scholarship, a Coca-Cola Scholars award, and she was selected to the PTK All-California Academic First Team.
Allyson is also in the IVC Honors Program, the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), and is a senator in the Associated Students of IVC (ASIVC).
The Hites Transfer Scholarship Program is made possible by support from the Hites Family Foundation and the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. This is the largest scholarship Phi Theta Kappa awards to its members.
The Hites Family Foundation was established by Robert Hites, an executive with Ralston-Purina in St. Louis, Missouri, who, upon his retirement, became an instructor at St. Louis Community College. His brother, Ray Hites, served as President of the Hites Family Foundation and as a Trustee for the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation until his death in 2015. Ray’s wife Jackie served as a Foundation Trustee until her death in 2019.