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Honoring the best and the brightest

As the school year winds down, the award season ramps up – often, the spring semester is a time to celebrate the best and the brightest students that pass through our hallways. As we prepare for graduation in May, we also pause to celebrate the Phi Theta Kappa students in our midst.

What is PTK?

Phi Theta Kappa (or PTK) is the international honor society of students pursuing higher education, seeking associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, or other college credentials. According to the PTK website, there are over 3.5 million members worldwide.

The Marshalltown Community College is part of the Phi Theta Kappa Iowa Region. PTK Iowa Region is a 5-star region, which means the Iowa Region received the highest rating for 2020. This paves the way for students to become Regional Officers and represent Iowa at International Events.

What are the Benefits of PTK?

High-achieving students are invited to join this honor society. And when they do, they join an elite group of students across the nation, and are eligible for some serious perks:

• Recognition – After inducted, students are recognized as a member, which is reflected on their college transcript. The honor society helps publicize the achievement, and they can list this as an honor on their resume long after graduation.

• Scholarships – Members are eligible for scholarships that can be used to complete an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, even Master’s degrees. If the student is studying on a career and technical track, there are some field-specific opportunities to cover the cost of certification and exam fees.

• Career Training – Navigating their first job offer post-graduation can be nerve-wracking. PTK students can build confidence in the process by learning professional skills and employment training courses. Members can also request letters of recommendation for job applications.

• Transfer Success – PTK is recognized by four-year universities, so academic credibility will stand out to the admissions team reviewing transfer applications. In other words, membership will give students a competitive edge throughout the admissions process.

• Leadership – Members will have access to the Leadership Development Studies curriculum, not available to all students. PTK students can hone skills through leadership roles within the college chapter, in service projects, and on campus.

As an advisor, I love serving all of our students, but it is a distinct pleasure to work with academically motivated and gifted people. I have personally seen students that have gone on to rewarding college careers and professional lives after joining PTK at MCC. Their success stories are often my favorite ones to tell. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments during graduation season.

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Cecil Holland is a member of the Education Faculty and the PTK Advisor at Marshalltown Community College.

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