PTC Student Receives Pearson Scholarship

Saluda resident Ashley Owens, an associate in science-honors and diversified agriculture student at Piedmont Technical College, has been awarded $5000 from The Pearson Scholarship for Higher Education. Through the partnership with the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Pearson awards a total of 10 scholarships to exceptional community college students who are Phi Theta Kappa members and intend to continue their education at a four-year institution.

“Through our strategic partnership with Phi Theta Kappa, we look forward to helping and inspiring more learners to make measurable progress by achieving their degree completion goals, which will ultimately position them for long-term success,” said Annabel Cellini, Pearson’s senior vice president for strategy and marketing.

“My education has all been funded by scholarships,” Owens said. “Without this financial assistance, I would not have been able to continue my education.”

Owens is a 2014 graduate of Saluda High School. She enrolled at Piedmont Tech with the goal of entering the associate degree nursing program. But her love of science and agriculture changed her path. She was invited to join the Honors Program as an associate in science major, but also wanted to pursue a diversified agriculture degree. She focused her efforts on both areas and is on track to earn both degrees in May. Upon graduation, Owens plans to attend Clemson University to pursue her bachelor’s degree in agriculture education.

Each Pearson Scholarship recipient is paired with a Pearson professional mentor who will provide support throughout his or her progress toward a degree. In addition, each scholar will also receive free Pearson textbooks.

“I was very excited to learn I was in one of 10 out of 700 applicants,” Owens said. “I am very grateful for the opportunities this scholarship will give to me both here and at Clemson.”