Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society recognizes academic excellence by offering scholarships for nationwide students from 2-year colleges who plan to transfer.
To receive an invitation from the Frederick Community College Sigma chapter, students must achieve a 3.7 GPA and have a minimal 12 credit hours.
“I round up, so if you have a 3.65 GPA, you are getting an invitation,” said Jeanni Winston-Muir, the Phi Theta Kappa adviser at Frederick Community College.
The promise of scholarships in return for a $100-lifetime membership fee is one of the main reasons students choose to be part of this society.
“Phi Theta Kappa is an opportunity for students to see money return to them in terms of scholarships. Some of the major transfer schools have directed Phi Theta Kappa scholarships, and that can go as high as $2,500 each semester,” said Winston-Muir.
For a complete list of colleges associated with PTK, students can go to ptk.org and find out what transfer institutions offer directed scholarships.
Some of the colleges around the area that offer direct PTK scholarships are Hood College, St. Marys University, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Washington College.
Phi Theta Kappa is synonymous with academic excellence. When applying for jobs, transferring institutions, or even more scholarships, being part of an honorary society is prestigious and something that definitely stands out in the resume.
Madeline Adams decided to wear her Phi Theta Kappa pin to a job interview, and it really paid off. “The interviewer asked me how my grades were, and I showed her the pin,” Madeline said. “She turned around, got the employee packet, and said, you’re hired. I’m a PTK graduate too.”
“In several of my acceptance letters, it was noted that due to certain professional and leadership training I had received through Phi Theta Kappa, I was given additional scholarships/funds,” Tabitha-Anne Bloodsaw a PTK member, said. “For example, one college gave me an additional $1,000 on top of the regular PTK scholarship.”
The great thing about Phi Theta Kappa is that it allows students to get to become part of a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to bettering themselves and their community. The International Honor Society is looking for students who are engaged learners, active in the community and have a vision of education to help others. However, students can be as involved in the club as they want and still receive the benefits.
“We use PTK to recognize your hard work and open scholarships for you. If you accepted an invitation and you joined, you will never hear back from me unless you want to be involved in something” said Winston-Muir. “Education is very expensive, and anything we can help cover the cost of education we want to.”
Phi Theta Kappa could be the right choice for you based on your long-term goals and plans.
“It is really about what your plans are. If you are not looking for a competitive job, academic transfer, or applying for scholarships, you will not really benefit the most from Phi Theta Kappa,” said Winston-Muir.
If you are indecisive about joining this club or not, check out the PTK website and see if they offer any directed scholarships for the institution you plan to transfer to. This research should decide for you, as a $100 investment could turn into $2500 each semester.
Academic excellence is something students work very hard for, and PTK recognizes and rewards your efforts.
