By Micraj Abdullahi
Staff Writer
Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society of two-year colleges and academic programs, particularly state colleges and community colleges.†
It also includes associate degree-granting programs offered by four-year colleges. It is headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, and has more than 2 million members in more than 1,250 chapters, in each state of the United States as well as across the world.†
A fun fact about PTK is that it was started 100 years ago in Kansas City Missouri, celebrating its centennial this past April. RCTC has the oldest chapter in Minnesota.
PTKís mission statement is ìto recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa shall provide opportunity for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.î
Benefits that PTK offers community college students is a variety of scholarships, including a $40,000 John Kent Cooke scholarship that can be renewed yearly. Last spring, two RCTC students, Sarah Brakebill-Hacke and Munira Alimire, were the only Minnesota students to be awarded the Jack Kent Cooke scholarships.†
†If interested in joining PTK, contact Jamie Mahlberg at jamie.mahlberg@rctc.edu.