Savanah Nava Receives Byrne Family Scholarship

(JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI) Savanah Nava, a student at Southeast New Mexico College in Carlsbad, NM, has received the Byrne Family Scholarship of $1,000 from Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Byrne and the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. 

The Kevin and Rosa Byrne Family Scholarship is designed to provide financial support for high-achieving students seeking educational opportunities to pursue the careers and futures they desire. Preference is given to those who have been part of the Foster Care system. 

Savanah is a member of the Alpha Rho Xi Chapter at Southeast New Mexico College. Her advisor, Dr. Candace Byers, describes her as an outstanding student and leader. “In class she is always fully present, prepared, and participatory, leading her peers by example in gaining the knowledge offered through academics. She is now in SENMC’s nursing program, developing understanding and skills that will allow her to care for other human beings when they most need her. Her dedication to academic excellence provides a powerful role model for her daughter, who is also now enrolled in SENMC through Early College High School” Dr. Byers mentions.  

“During my career, I have personally witnessed how hard it is for students to overcome barriers – especially those who have been in the foster care system,” said Mr. Byrne. “Rosa and I are thrilled to be able to provide scholarships to deserving students who have shown perseverance to provide a better future for themselves and their families. We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to support community college students.”  

According to the National Foster Youth Institute, fewer than 5% of youth raised in foster care graduate from a four-year college. Additionally, only 2-6% complete a degree from a two-year college. The PTK Foundation is proud to partner with Kevin and Rosa Byrne to establish an endowment to support these students pursuing their studies at a community college.  

“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Amanda Karpinski Gorman, Executive Director of the PTK Foundation. “The Kevin and Rosa Byrne Family Scholarship recognizes students for what they have achieved already and assures that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.” 

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. Savanah Nava Receives Byrne Family Scholarship