Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for high-achieving community college students, has named Nickey Kuhn of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ as a World Impact Scholar, an honor recognizing students pursuing degrees and certificates in programs that support economic opportunity and workforce needs in communities across World Cup host regions.
Supported by a donation from Coca-Cola North America, the World Impact Scholars program celebrates community college students enrolled in degree and certificate programs that prepare them to contribute to their local economies and meet real workforce needs. Kuhn, of Linden, is pursuing a degree in respiratory care.
The World Impact Scholarship recognizes outstanding community college students in cities where the 2026 FIFA World CupTM will be held who are pursuing high-demand careers aligned with real workforce needs. Through high-quality workforce programs and hands-on learning at community colleges, students are choosing educational pathways that expand economic mobility and translate into meaningful contributions that strengthen their local communities and regional economies.
“We are honored that Coca-Cola has invested in the World Impact Scholars,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Degrees and certificates from community colleges are powerful economic tools, and our World Impact Scholars are among the very best examples of students demonstrating leadership in high-demand fields that matter to their communities and to the future of our workforce.”
“We are incredibly proud of Nickey for being recognized as a World Impact Scholar by PTK,” said UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “Her selection reflects not only her academic achievement and leadership, but also her commitment to using her talents to address real-world challenges and strengthen our communities. At UCNJ, we are committed to empowering students to achieve their full potential and create meaningful impact both locally and globally.”
For Nickey, this recognition highlights both academic achievement and a commitment to applying education in ways that benefit their community. World Impact Scholars will be recognized locally and internationally.
About UCNJ
UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.
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 grow as scholars and leaders. The Society serves more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters worldwide. Learn more at ptk.org.
