Layla Arledge, a student at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, a Phi Theta Kappa member, has been selected as a 2026 Hites Scholar and will receive a $7,500 scholarship for baccalaureate studies.
The Hites Transfer Scholarship is awarded to Phi Theta Kappa members preparing to transfer to a bachelor’s degree-granting college or university. Winners were selected from more than 3,000 applicants nationwide for their outstanding academic achievement and rigor, leadership accomplishments, and engagement in college and community activities.
Arledge intends to transfer to Arizona State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Philosophy. Following her undergraduate studies, she plans to attend a law school and later obtain her MBA. Her career goal is to become a corporate attorney. Arledge is a CGCC Student Senate representative, H.E.L.P. Club co-founder, Collegiate DECA officer and Student Public Policy Forum member.
The Hites Transfer Scholarship is made possible by support from the Hites Family Foundation and the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. This is the largest scholarship Phi Theta Kappa awards to its members.
The Hites Family Foundation was established by Robert Hites, an executive with Ralston-Purina in St. Louis, Missouri, who, upon his retirement, became an instructor at St. Louis Community College. His brother, Ray Hites, served as President of the Hites Family Foundation and as a Trustee for the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation until his death in 2015. Ray’s wife, Jackie, served as a Foundation Trustee until her death in 2019.
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.