Andres Ordonez Casadiego Named Chime Workforce Scholar

Minneapolis College student Andres Ordonez Casadiego has been named a 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar, joining 200 students nationwide recognized for their academic achievement and pursuit of career-focused education.

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 opportunity. 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.

Casadiego maintains a 3.8 GPA and has earned Dean’s List honors while pursuing dual A.A.S. degrees in Software Development and Cybersecurity. As an IT peer tutor in the Academic Success Center, he dedicates time each week to helping students understand programming logic in Python and Java, as well as other IT concepts, while championing AI literacy and academic integrity. After moving to the U.S. from Colombia with a background in biology, Casadiego started anew, learning technical disciplines in a second language.

“Inspired by the patience of my English tutors, I chose IT to serve as a ‘learning bridge’ for others navigating modern technology. Receiving the Chime Workforce Scholarship provides vital momentum toward my goal of working in technical support and e-learning, where I plan to implement and secure educational tools. This award represents more than financial aid; it is a meaningful vote of confidence in my journey to empower future learners,” said Casadiego.

“We are thrilled to launch this new program and award hardworking students with Chime Workforce Scholarships,” Amanda Karpinski Gorman, executive director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, said. “These scholarships support students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges, and we look forward to seeing all they go on to accomplish.”

The Chime Workforce Scholarship supports students preparing for high-demand careers that strengthen their communities and local economies. By helping students complete their education and earn workforce credentials, the program helps build a stronger pipeline of skilled workers in fields where they are needed most.