Roane State Community College

January 30, 2026

Jennifer Heylek, a student at Roane State Community College, was recently chosen to receive a Chime Workforce Scholarship of $1,000 through the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation.

2025 was the first year for the scholarship, which recognizes high-achieving college students pursuing career and technical educational opportunities. To be eligible, students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be currently enrolled in 6 or more credit hours in a qualifying program.

Heylek is studying nursing at Roane State and plans to graduate in 2027. When asked about her path to the nursing program, Heylek said she enjoys helping others and discovered her true calling once she enrolled at Roane State.

“When I started, I actually wanted to pursue a career in occupational therapy, but deep down I knew I wanted to be a nurse,” Heylek explained. “I want to help others grow and live a happy and healthy life.”

The Chime Workforce Scholarship helps cover educational expenses while enrolled in a certificate or associate degree workforce development program at a two-year college.

Along with traditional expenses such as tuition and fees, the scholarship may also be applied toward costs specific to entering the workforce, such as certification fees, uniforms, and tools.

“When I was notified about receiving the Chime scholarship, I was shocked,” Heylek said. “As a single mom, I am blessed beyond words and grateful for this opportunity. My oldest son passed away in August; I knew funds would be tight and purchasing books and supplies would be hard. This scholarship helped me purchase everything I needed for the year.”

Heylek was one of 200 students chosen to receive a Chime Workforce Scholarship in 2025. Approximately $200,000 in scholarships was awarded to students in workforce-ready programs by the Chime Scholars Foundation in its inaugural year.

“Jennifer is president of our Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter and has been an invaluable asset to our success, always quick to volunteer with a cheerful smile, well-respected by all, and admired for her dedication, leadership, and tireless pursuit of academic excellence,” said Claudia Cummings, Roane State’s PTK faculty advisor. “Her positive spirit and unwavering commitment have made a lasting impact on our chapter and on me personally as her advisor.”

“We believe that career and technical education opens doors to financial progress and long-term opportunity,” said Jeni Izuel, president of the Chime Scholars Foundation. “We’re proud to support students who are working hard to gain in-demand skills and build better futures for themselves and their families.”

"We are thrilled to launch this new program and award hardworking students like Jennifer with Chime Workforce Scholarships,” said Amanda Karpinski Gorman, interim director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “These scholarships support students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges, and we look forward to see all they go on to accomplish."

Thanks to the Chime Workforce Scholarship and another recently awarded need-based scholarship from Roane State Foundation, Heylek was able to further offset her educational expenses this academic year. She was selected for the same award by Roane State Foundation in 2024 as well.

Roane State Foundation awards more than $500,000 to Roane State students each year as they work to complete their degree or certificate. Learn about Roane State scholarship opportunities at roanestate.edu/scholarships.

Information about the college’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter is available at roanestate.edu/ptk.

^{_{About Chime Scholars Foundation
The Chime Scholars Foundation (CSF) helps everyday people unlock financial progress and build a better future through higher education – whether that’s college, workforce training, or trade school. Learn more about SCF and Chime at Chime.com.}} 

^{_{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 to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.}}

^{_{About Roane State Community College
Roane State is a two-year college providing transfer programs, career-preparation programs and continuing education. Founded in 1971, the college has locations in Roane, Campbell, Cumberland, Fentress, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, and Scott counties as well as a branch campus in Oak Ridge.}}