Attention all Coca-Cola fans – as much as you love popping open a chilled can or bottle of the world’s most famous soft drink, you might not know that Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages (AC-CCSWB) is your local Coca-Cola bottler in Texas. Aside from delivering joy in every bottle, CCSWB also provides its resources by pouring into local communities across the state. The most exciting part about this is that in 2024, CCSWB is pledging scholarship funds to 13 partner universities and colleges, including a historic black university that’s important to the city of Houston.
Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Partners with Texas Southern University to Help Tomorrow’s Leaders
By StoryStudio on February 29, 2024
SPONSORED BY
Partnering with Texas Southern University
“We are proud to announce that Texas Southern University is one of the recipients of AC-CCSWB’s First Generation Scholarship program,” says Ada Ortega, Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability. “The funds are specifically aimed at bolstering financial support for these students, demonstrating our commitment to fostering educational opportunities for those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.”
Known as Project R.O.A.R (Rising Over All Roadblocks), TSU’s Scholarship Program is a pioneering initiative designed to address the unique challenges faced by first-generation college students. Project R.O.A.R aims to develop and retain students through a semester-long peer mentoring program. The program employs a combination of intensive sessions and strategic mentoring to unlock the full potential of participating students, fostering academic excellence, social and civil awareness, mental well-being, professionalism, leadership skills, and a sense of community.
A Cultural Day to Remember: Coca-Cola’s Throwback Tour at TSU
On February 16 of this year, TSU students bookmarked the date for when Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, along with The Coca-Cola Company, gave out free Coke Floats on TSU’s campus. All students, faculty, and staff were encouraged to take a break from their studies and teaching duties to partake. The result? Everyone showed up to engage with one another over some cool activities, food, and prizes.
This stop was part of the Coca-Cola College & University Throwback Tour, which featured a fun photo-op, retro-styled Jeep Gladiator, a 16-foot sampling trailer, a vintage diner seating area, a customizable digital display, and much more. Held over a large get-together on the yard that mixed the culture of Mardi Gras and family reunion, the event also highlighted the remarkable themes of Black History Month and was a massive success no one will be forgetting anytime soon.
The Initiatives of Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages
AC-CCSWB focuses its community efforts on three areas: sustainability, community service, and celebrating the various cultures of its associates and local communities.
“Our company is known for being community-centric,” says Ortega. “The communities we serve are at the heart of everything we do. Culture is our greatest strength, and we believe in the value and power of everyone’s perspectives, thoughts, experiences, talents, and voices.”
This commitment is reflected in how the company actively engages in volunteerism and donations to promote empowerment, education, and environmental initiatives. Last year alone, AC-CCSWB supported over 100 non-profit organizations, showcasing a dedication to making a positive impact in their areas of operation.
To learn more about AC-CCSWB, visit cocacolaswb.com.
SPONSORED BY
Founded in 1927, Texas Southern University (TSU) is a student-centered comprehensive doctoral university committed to ensuring equality, offering innovative programs that are responsive to its local community, and transforming diverse students into lifelong learners, engaged citizens, and creative leaders in their local, national, and global communities.
With notable alumni such as Congressman George “Mickey” Leland, rapper Megan Thee Stallion, and TV host and former NFL star Michael Strahan, TSU has helped jumpstart the careers of African Americans in Houston, many of whom go on to become change agents and leaders of tomorrow.
The decision for CCSWB to partner with an institution like TSU was a no-brainer. The two possess a long, storied history and have built upon a growing relationship through student engagement and community support in various initiatives throughout the city and beyond.
“CCSWB’s goal to support first-generation students aligns perfectly with our mission of developing students into lifelong learners, engaged citizens, and creative leaders in their local, national, and global communities here at Texas Southern University,” says Yvette Barker, Interim Assistant Vice President for Student Life & Engagement at TSU.
TSU’s Scholarship Program for First-Gen Students
The culmination of the program is marked by a ceremony where participants receive their official Project R.O.A.R pin, a completion certificate, and a first-generation scholarship, acknowledging their dedication and achievements in overcoming educational barriers.
Texas Southern University has a large population of first-generation students and through our partnership with AC-CCSWB, we are now able to design a retention program catered towards serving those students.”
“
Yvette Barker,
Interim Assistant Vice President for Student Life & Engagement at TSU
Sustainability
Service
Diversity
Please revisit on a desktop device!
This experience is not yet optimized for your mobile screen.
Please revisit on a desktop device!
This experience is not yet optimized for your mobile screen.