About PTK
Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society for two-year college students. Its purpose is to honor and recognize academic achievement among community college students and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is a substantial personal achievement and a valuable addition to your academic and professional resume.
Why Join PTK?
Phi Theta Kappa members have a proven track record of success. A recent study revealed that Phi Theta Kappa members have a student success rate of 92%, which is more than three times higher than that of an average community college student. PTK students are over twice as likely to complete their college education within six years compared to their peers.
Phi Theta Kappa offers many ways to develop professionally and personally. Phi Theta Kappa students can get involved with opportunities involving leadership development, social networking, community service, professional skill development, and more. Furthermore, you can enjoy yourself while interacting and participating with your peers!
Phi Theta Kappa is a great way to distinguish yourself and stand out from the crowd. As a PTK member, you earn the right to wear a gold Phi Theta Kappa stole and tassel when you walk the stage at your graduation ceremony. Also, your SWCC transcript will carry a notation that identifies you as a PTK member.
Benefits available to PTK students include:
- Scholarship opportunities
- Membership pin & certificate
- PTK seal on your transcript
- Graduation ceremony recognition
- Future recommendation letters
- Professional skill development
- Leadership opportunities
- Network of fellow scholars
- Community service opportunities
- FUN!
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships
Scholarships are one of the leading reasons that students join PTK. PTK students are in high demand from academic institutions. Phi Theta Kappa members have access to more than $246 million in transfer scholarships annually from over 800 four-year colleges and universities. The average transfer scholarship offered by partner colleges is $2,500 a year. This is an amazing return on your one-time $75 entrance fee! See which colleges offer PTK scholarships here: https://portal.ptk.org/Scholarships/TransferScholarshipSearch.aspx.
Phi Theta Kappa members have access to members-only leadership and academic scholarships through Phi Theta Kappa’s common application. PTK’s competitive scholarship application has two program deadlines – one in the Fall and the other in the Spring. Visit https://www.ptk.org/scholarships/ to learn more.
Who can join?
To be eligible for PTK membership, you must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.5 on at least 12 transferable credit hours earned at SWCC. Membership is by invitation only. If you are eligible, you should receive an invitation through the mail and an invitation by email. If you believe you are eligible but did not receive an invitation, please see the PTK faculty advisor, Joe Pastorino.
As soon as you earn your 3.5 GPA, start the registration process and join! The membership offer expires at the end of the semester it is given. If you have an unfortunate semester and drop below the 3.5 GPA threshold, then PTK membership will no longer be open to you. PTK students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to remain a member in good standing.
How much of my time will membership require?
There is no time requirement for PTK membership. Some Phi Theta Kappa members invest many hours to support the chapter and to grow professionally and personally. Some may choose not to take part in any of the activities that the chapter offers. Our chapter generally meets once per month to discuss general business. PTK students also gather informally to participate in chapter activities and focus on priorities. The extent of your participation in Phi Theta Kappa depends on your situation and willingness to get involved. The choice is yours.
What about fees?
The membership fee for joining is a one-time-only, lifetime membership fee of $75. Out of that figure, $60 goes to PTK International Headquarters, $5 goes to the Iowa region, and $10 stays with our local chapter. Membership lasts a lifetime – you never have to pay again!
