South Mountain Community College student Austin Hemsted-Wells has been selected as a member of the prestigious 2026 All-USA Academic Team. In addition to this honor, Austin has also been named a 2026 New Century Workforce Scholar.
Those who are named to the All-USA program are recognized for their academic achievements, campus and community engagement, and overall leadership. It is among the nation’s premier academic honors, which is presented by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Austin was amongst more than 2,300 nominees for the All-USA Academic Team and will receive a $3,000 scholarship along with his award.
He was also amongst more than 2,300 students from nearly 1,400 college campuses nationwide that were nominated for the New Century Workforce Scholar, with only one scholar from each state being selected. Austin will receive an additional $1,500 scholarship for his recognition as a New Century Workforce Scholar.
New Century Workforce Scholars are also selected based on similar characteristics including academic accomplishments, leadership, activities and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. The scholarship associated with this honor is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions nationwide as they plan to enter the workforce upon completion of their degree or certificate. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Austin is currently pursuing an associate degree in a workforce-focused pathway as an online student and joined the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at SMCC during his Fall 2025 semester. During his time at SMCC, Austin has distinguished himself through his strong academic performance and dedication to workforce preparation.
These qualities have not only made him eligible to apply for these nationally competitive scholarships, but have established him as a highly competitive candidate.
“Austin’s accomplishments are remarkable and bring national recognition to South Mountain Community College and Phi Theta Kappa,” said Dr. L. Andrea Brownlee, SMCC’s PTK advisor. “Being named to the All-USA Academic Team and selected as a New Century Workforce Scholar reflects the high level of academic excellence among our students and demonstrates that SMCC students are competing successfully at the national level.”
As a New Century Workforce Scholar, Austin will be recognized at Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, in Baltimore, Maryland on March 26-28. He will also receive further recognition for his All-USA Academic Team award during the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) annual convention in Seattle in April.