While the education landscape has changed a lot over the last couple of decades, one thing has remained a constant: “graduating with honors” still matters. Receiving that extra distinction upon graduating can make you a more appealing candidate to future employers and other schools. Joining an honor society and spurring yourself to grow as a person and student can pay off in many ways down the line. For Rio students interested in graduating with honors, joining the school’s PTK chapter is a great way to earn that distinction.
What Is PTK?
PTK stands for Phi Theta Kappa. PTK has been the official honor society for community colleges since 1929. More than 3.8 million students have been inducted into PTK since the organization’s founding in 1918. PTK is an international honor society with chapters in eleven nations. Each PTK chapter is free to determine their own eligibility requirements.
Alpha Theta Omicron is Rio Salado’s PTK chapter. To be eligible to join Rio's PTK chapter, you must have:
- A cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Completed a minimum of 12 college credits in 100-plus level classes and current enrollment in at least one class with Rio Salado College.
- Pay a $95 one-time membership fee.
What Do You Do In PTK?
Part of the purpose of PTK is to foster a spirit of scholarship and service among the student body. PTK chapters bring students together in fellowship and help promote the development of leadership skills. Chapter members participate in regular meetings and have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular events and networking activities. PTK chapters often engage in community work, working with both the college community and local community to address their needs.
The Benefits Of Joining PTK
Joining an honor society is a commitment, but one that confers a variety of benefits that can make the time invested in PTK more than worthwhile.
- Scholarship opportunities. There are grants and scholarship opportunities available to chapter members. PTK also offers resources for finding scholarships, getting letters of recommendation, and advice on crafting compelling applications.
- Leadership experience. Looking for a job? Applying to a new school? PTK membership can be an attractive accomplishment to list on resumes and applications. The leadership experience and skills that one can cultivate as part of PTK can be an invaluable “soft skill” to add to your professional toolkit.
- Networking opportunities. In addition to making connections in the scholastic community, PTK does community work. Participating in your PTK chapter could open doors to job career opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise cross your radar.
- Education planning. PTK offers tools to help students find transfer pathways and provides resources to give them the information they need to find the right four-year institution to continue their education.
- Professional development. Chapter members can take professional development courses through PTK Edge that can help them develop skills in research, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, communication, networking, building a resume, and navigating financial aid and student loans.
- Community service. Volunteering can look great on a resume or college application,
- Special discounts. In addition to all the scholarship opportunities that are only available to PTK members, chapter members also get access to discounts for a host of businesses and services that include computers, travel, car rental services, fitness clubs, and more.
- Mentoring. Chapter members can receive invaluable mentoring from their PTK advisors and other students that can help them advance their academic and professional goals.
Learn more about Rio’s PTK Chapter
Alpha Theta Omicron's students and advisors have received several prestigious awards and accolades over the years. Read on to find out more about how far Rio community members have gone as part of PTK.
- Rio PTK Honored at National Convention
- Rio Salado College All AZ Scholar Eyes Future in Community Activism
- Dr. Greg Pereira Recognized by Phi Theta Kappa As 2022 Distinguished College Administrator
- Alumni Carolyn Shack Feeds The Needy With Help From Rio’s PTK Students
Interested In Joining PTK?
If you’d like to learn more about PTK, email PTK advisors Dr. Lily Davidov and John Bastian at PTK@riosalado.edu or call 480-517-8050.