Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Overview

Phi Theta Kappa is the oldest and largest honor society serving community colleges, with a mission to recognize academic achievement and provide opportunities for growth in leadership, service, and scholarship. It is not officially referred to as a fraternity but rather an honor society.

History

Phi Theta Kappa was founded in 1918 at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, by eight community college presidents inspired by the senior honor society Phi Beta Kappa. Initially, membership was conferred to students upon graduation, but by the 1920s, the honor society expanded to include freshmen and expanded beyond Missouri. In 1929, the American Association of Junior Colleges recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges.

Organization

As of today, Phi Theta Kappa includes over 1,250 chapters in all fifty U.S. states as well as in several countries including Canada, Germany, and others. Approximately 100,000 students are inducted annually. The organization is headquartered with a governing structure that includes a Board of Directors.

Hallmarks and Mission

Phi Theta Kappa is centered on four hallmarks: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. The mission is twofold: to recognize and encourage academic achievement among two-year college students and to provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service, and fellowship programming.

Impact

Phi Theta Kappa has grown significantly since its inception and now offers numerous transfer scholarships valued at over $250 million annually to its members, in collaboration with more than 800 universities.

Recognition

Phi Theta Kappa is recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) as the official honor society for two-year colleges, solidifying its role in U.S. community college education.