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Coleman dental assisting student receives NSLS scholarship

May 11, 2023

Maren Jensen, dental assisting student at Houston Community College – Coleman College, is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) Foundation.

A member of the NSLS chapter at HCC Coleman College, Jensen applied for the Financial Aid and Materials Grant scholarship in February and received notice of her award on May 8.

Jensen serves as community service chair of her NSLS chapter. Earlier in the second term, she coordinated not just one but two community service projects benefiting Meals on Wheels and Houston Humane Society, respectively.

In addition to NSLS, Jensen further serves on the College Advisory Board for HCC Coleman College and the Student Fee Advisory Committee for Houston Community College System. She has also been selected as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society All-State Academic Team.

Kay Jukes, program director of dental assisting, gladly recommended Jensen for the scholarship.

“Maren is an outstanding student in the classroom and clinic, and she’s an outstanding community member,” Jukes said. “She belongs to honor and leadership societies, and she’s organized two volunteer events this semester. She also serves on two college committees.”

“She does all of this while working a part-time job and being a mom!” Jukes added. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this scholarship.” 

The award will help Jensen further her education goals. In the fall, she hopes to begin the Dental Hygiene program or complete the Coleman Biology degree plan.

“I’m so honored to receive this national scholarship. It means so much to me,” Jensen said. “I’m graduating from the Dental Assisting program this summer, and my wonderful experience has given me the confidence to continue down the dental career path.”

Jensen hopes to set an example for her three children.  

“I really want my kids to see that whatever happens in life, you can always start over. You can still go back to school and turn things around. It’s about never giving up,” Jensen said.