QCC Student Named Massachusetts New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar

Quinsigamond Community College student Vincent Strzelecki, of North Oxford, has been named a 2021 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar and will receive a $1,250 scholarship.

Only one New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar was selected from each state. Over 2,000 students were nominated from more than 1,200 college campuses across the country. Students were evaluated on academic achievement, leadership, service, and significant endeavors. Mr. Strzelecki received the highest score in Massachusetts.

“I’m proud to congratulate Vincent for this great accomplishment. He is an example of the many QCC students who enter the workforce with the high-caliber skill sets they need to be successful,” said QCC President Luis G. Pedraja, Ph.D. “Computer scientists like Vincent are helping to transform our world, which is especially evident today, as the pandemic has shown just how much we rely on technology to live our day-to-day lives.”

This national scholarship is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions who plan to enter the workforce after completion of a degree or certificate. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor (PTK) Society.

Mr. Strzelecki is a member of QCC’s PTK Alpha Theta Zeta Chapter, and is currently completing his Computer Science-Transfer Associate Degree. His goal after graduating is to become a video game software engineer for a well-known video game developer.

“I want to create a future where anyone can play video games, beyond any barriers of wealth, mental capacity, and coordination,” he said.

“We congratulate Vincent for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize his outstanding achievements,” said PTK’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 Pathway Scholars will be recognized in the fall.