September 18, 2026
Anoka Tech Students Named 2026 Chime Workforce Scholars
Anoka Technical College students Alan Breeden and Kristin Martin have earned recognition as 2026 Chime Workforce Scholars. Awarded to only 200 students nationwide, the scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievement and supports students preparing for careers in high-demand fields.
Administered through the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, the scholarship provides $1,000 to help cover educational expenses while completing a certificate or associate degree that prepares them to enter the workforce in a high-demand field.
Breeden, who is pursuing a degree in Business Data Analytics while supporting a growing family, says the scholarship provides both recognition and financial relief.
“From an academic standpoint, it feels like an accomplishment,” he says. “I am so thankful Phi Theta Kappa reached out and invited me to join. I do the best work I can, and it feels so great to be recognized for it.”
Breeden says he chose Anoka Tech for the flexibility of online learning and the convenience of a two-year timeline to an associate degree.
“From a personal standpoint, the scholarship will help with the financial burden of school. I am a working father. It puts me at great ease to be able to obtain scholarships to help manage everything.”
Martin, a Judicial Reporting student who returned to college on her own timeline, says the scholarship validates her hard work and commitment to a new career path.
“Academically, being selected for such a prestigious nationwide scholarship validates all the time, energy, and hard work I’ve poured into mastering my craft. Personally, it gives me a massive boost,” she says. “Receiving this scholarship completely reinvigorates my drive to push forward. It also provides immense peace of mind, lifting the financial burden of my tuition and specialized equipment so I can focus entirely on my training.”
She says Anoka Tech’s career-focused curriculum was the right fit for her when it was time to choose a program.
“I made the decision to return to college a bit later in my life. Having more life experience and a better understanding of myself allowed me to choose a path that would truly make me happy, and Anoka Tech offered the absolute best program for it,” Martin says. “The curriculum they have developed is intense and holds us to a high standard of responsibility, but it beautifully eases you into what it will take to be a working reporter.”
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This opportunity was made possible through the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, which recognizes high-achieving two-year college students and offers opportunities for leadership, service, personal growth and academic development.