CSM Computer Science Student David Bailey Becomes Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar

David Bailey, College of Southern Maryland (CSM) second-year student, has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar and will receive a $1,250 scholarship.  

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion. 

“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, 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.” 

Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.  

“Receiving the Coca-Cola Silver Scholar Award proves to me that the financial resources for academics are available and achievable for those willing to seek them,” Bailey said. “I'll be completing my studies at the College of Southern Maryland at the end of this spring semester, and I'm planning to continue my education at the University of Maryland at College Park. I'm hoping to continue studying computer science and data science throughout my career, and as long as I'm working with computers then I think that I'll be happy.”   

Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies. They will also be recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, in Kansas City, April 3-5. 

“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.” 

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 www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org. 

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 www.ptk.org.