MONTPELIER, Vt. — Community College of Vermont (CCV)-Winooski student Isabel Frei has received two scholarships from the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Isabel was named a 2026 New Century Transfer Scholar and will receive a $2,750 scholarship; she was also selected as a member of the 2026 All-USA Academic Team, which comes with a $3,000 scholarship.
New Century Transfer Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Over 2,300 students from nearly 1,400 colleges nationwide were nominated. Only one New Century Transfer Scholar is selected from each state.
The All-USA program is among the nation’s premier academic honors for students pursuing an associate degree. Each institution may nominate two students who have shown outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and citizenship. The program also honors students who leverage their community college experience to better themselves, improve their schools and impact their communities.
Frei will graduate in June with a degree in behavioral science, and plans to transfer to a four-year program this fall. She is passionate about mental health, and wants to become a clinical psychologist; one of the highlights of her CCV career was participating in a National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) event at CCV-Winooski. Frei says receiving the PTK awards is “really exciting. I’m incredibly grateful and honored. I think it will help support me in my future endeavors.”
“It is no surprise that PTK selected Isabel as both a 2026 New Century Transfer Scholar and a member of the All-USA Academic Team,” said Amy Stuart, director of student advising for CCV and Isabel’s academic advisor. “She invests 100% of her energy in academics and her community. During the fall semester, for example, Isabel assisted CCV staff in hosting the NAMI In Our Own Voices event. She is a dedicated student, leader, and friend, and we wish her the best as she continues her education.”
The New Century Transfer Scholarship is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Support for the All-USA Academic Team is provided by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and Phi Theta Kappa.
PTK is the national honor society for community college students. CCV’s chapter was established in 2016.