Phi Theta Kappa at South: Service, Scholarships & Student Success
South Seattle College’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society has fostered personal and professional growth, and recognized high-achieving students on campus for decades. This year, South’s ambitious PTK student representatives hope to connect even more students to the benefits of the international honor society, and open new doors for your academic journey.
We caught up with 2017-18 President Tori Flores, to ask some questions about PTK and the benefits it can provide to all students at South.
Q: What is the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society? What are the benefits of joining as a student at South?
A: Phi Theta Kappa is an honor society for two-year colleges, and serves to recognize student success on campus and in the community. PTK is a great way to get involved and meet new friends at South! One of the biggest benefits is our scholarship opportunities, which we can connect you with. Also, having “Phi Theta Kappa” on your academic transcript looks really great for students wishing to transfer to a four-year college or university, or for those looking to enter the workforce. We also can help you with letters of recommendation, job skills, tutoring and mentorship opportunities.
Q: Why do you think PTK is important to have at South?
A: PTK is important to have a South because it allows students to be honored for their hard work and community service. PTK is the backbone of our on-campus food pantry. On Mondays and Thursdays we help students receive access to free food on campus. PTK also offers a wide variety of scholarships for its members, the deadline for our fall scholarship is actually coming up on November 14.
Q: What made you want to become the president of PTK?
A: I knew I wanted to get involved with our Student Life department at South, and become a bigger part of the campus community. After seeing the great things they did last year with the food pantry, it made me want to join the team and give back. Being the president, I can give back to the school by continuing to work at the food pantry, connecting students to scholarships and resources on campus and create events for students to enjoy and learn.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your tenure?
A: During my tenure I hope to offer students more opportunities to explore their future college or university by setting up campus visits. I’d also like to spread the word about PTK; what it means to be a member, how to join and what the perks are.
I hope that by the end of my tenure when people say “PTK,” students will know it stands for Phi Theta Kappa. I also want to provide events featuring guest speakers offering advice and different insights into life.
Q: Are you still accepting applications? What is the process for getting into PTK?
A: Invitations will be going out to students who are eligible within the next few weeks, so keep an out on your email for PTK invitations! To join PTK you must be a student at South with at least 12 completed college credits and a 3.5 cumulative GPA. After meeting those qualifications, completing the application, and being accepted, you then will be asked to pay a one-time membership fee of $60, although there are scholarships available for those with financial need.
Interested in joining Phi Theta Kappa at South? Learn more about becoming a member, upcoming scholarship opportunities and meet your 2017-18 PTK campus representatives at an introductory meeting on Oct. 17, 2017, at 2 p.m. in JMB 140.