Midlands Tech student named workforce scholar

Joseph Neubaum, a student at Midlands Technical College, has been named a 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar. Neubaum joins 200 students nationwide who were recognized for their academic achievement and pursuit of career-focused education.

“Being selected as a 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar means a great deal to me because this scholarship will directly support my educational expenses while I complete my degree and continue growing my business,” said Neubaum. “I am especially grateful to the Chime Scholars Foundation for investing in the younger generation and supporting students pursuing career-focused education.”

Neubaum is currently pursuing an Associate in Applied Science degree in electrical technology at MTC. He has maintained a 4.0 GPA, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and was selected for the 2026 South Carolina All-State Academic Team. His long-term goal is to become a fully licensed electrical contractor, grow his company and create training and employment opportunities for others in electrical technology.

“Joseph’s recognition as a Chime Workforce Scholar is a powerful example of what happens when talent, determination and opportunity come together,” said Lamar White, vice president for student affairs at Midlands Technical College. “We are proud of his hard work and excited to see how he will continue using his education to strengthen his career and his community.”

The Chime Workforce Scholarship, funded by the Chime Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, provides each scholar with $1,000 to help cover educational expenses while completing a certificate or associate degree that prepares them to enter the workforce in a high-demand field.

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

Midlands Technical College is a six-campus, two-year comprehensive community college serving Richland, Lexington and Fairfield counties in South Carolina. For more information, visit midlandstech.edu.

 The Chime Scholars Foundation is a nonprofit arm of Chime, a financial technology company founded on the premise that core banking services should be helpful, easy and free.

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 about 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.