MESA, Arizona – Nov. 24, 2025 – Mesa Community College (MCC) students Valerie Detsoi and Kristen Miller have been selected as inaugural 2025 Chime Workforce Scholars, each receiving a $1,000 scholarship from the Chime Scholars Foundation through Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

The Chime Workforce Scholarship recognizes high-achieving college students pursuing workforce-ready programs that prepare them for in-demand careers. The award helps cover educational expenses and costs specific to entering the workforce, such as certification fees, uniforms and tools.

Detsoi, who previously earned an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Computer Programming at MCC, is on schedule to earn an AAS in Automated Industrial Technology this fall. Her studies helped her earn a recent promotion from a Line Technician to an Equipment Technician I.

Miller plans to graduate in May 2026 with an AAS in Construction Management and earn an AAS in Construction Technology before transferring to ASU to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management. She aspires to become a Project or Field Engineer and eventually start her own custom home building company.

“We are grateful to the Chime Scholars Foundation for investing in our students’ futures,” said Mesa Community College President Dr. Richard Daniel. “Scholarships like this empower students to complete their education and enter the workforce with confidence.”

Recipients Detsoi and Miller are among 200 community college students nationwide selected for the inaugural scholarship program, which awarded a total of $200,000 in funding to students enrolled in workforce development programs.

“We are thrilled to launch this new program and award hardworking students with Chime Workforce Scholarships,” said Amanda Karpinski Gorman, interim director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “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 scholarship will help Mesa Community College students continue developing the skills and experience needed to succeed in their chosen career paths.

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Media contact: Drea Yazzie, quindrea.yazzie@mesacc.edu, 480-432-6077

About Chime Scholars Foundation

The Chime Scholars Foundation (CSF) helps everyday people unlock financial progress and build a better future through higher education – whether that’s college, workforce training, or trade school. Learn more about SCF and Chime at Chime.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.

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.