Alpha Pi Theta (PTK)

Established in 1918 at Stevens College in Missouri by Missouri’s two-year college presidents, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society recognizes and encourages the academic achievement of two-year college students and provides opportunities for individual growth and development through Honors, Leadership, and Service programming. In 1929, the American Association of Community Colleges recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges.

In our 105-year history, our mission has remained the same: recognizing scholars and preparing them for successful futures. Through Honors in Action, a program designed to foster a stimulating environment for intellectual growth and challenge, Phi Theta Kappa creates opportunities for leadership and learning as leaders through service and advocacy.

Today, we are the largest honors society in American higher education with 3.5 million members and over 1300 chapters located in all 50 states, US territories, the British Virgin Islands, the United Arab Emirates, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, Canada and Germany.

The Alpha Pi Theta Chapter at Brookdale was chartered in 1989 and is currently recognized as a Five Star Distinguished Chapter by the Middle States Region! We are excited to work with our members to develop critical skills such as leadership, problem solving, and communications; to aid members in seeking scholarships; and to provide opportunities to participate in community service.

Contact us at ptk@my.brookdalecc.edu with questions!

Membership in Phi Theta Kappa, based on academic achievement, is a permanent recognition of your hard work that will be recognized by colleges, universities, and potential employers. 

• Students must complete a minimum of 12 college-level (100-level or higher) credits at Brookdale
• Students must have a minimum cumulative 3.7 GPA and maintain a 3.35 GPA once inducted
• Membership enrollment is open in the Spring and Fall semesters

• Finch Scholarship for Women: Application Due May 1.
  • Finch College Alumni Community College Transfer Scholarship
    Award: $5,000
    The grant is awarded in two segments. The first year scholarship of $2,500 is awarded upon graduating from a community college and transferring to a four-year college. The second year scholarship of $2,500 is again awarded upon successfully entering the final semester of the four-year college.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    Numerous $5,000 grants are offered to all women fitting the following criteria:

    1. Female students enrolled in the second year of community college in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut.
    2. Age 22 and older.
    3. Transferring to any accredited four-year college in the United States
    4. Any candidate currently holding a U.S. or foreign bachelor’s degree is not eligible.
    5. Proof must be provided of United States citizenship or permanent United States Green Card.
    6. Maintaining a 3.5 grade point average.
    7. The scholarship may be used for tuition, fees, books, housing and/or equipment required for course instruction.
    Note: There are no restrictions or limitations based upon race, ethnicity, or the employment status of the prospective recipient. Grant is based upon merit, courses and goals.

  • Selection Criteria:
    The Finch College Alumni Foundation’s Scholarship Committee will evaluate all applications on the basis of goals, qualifications and the extent to which the Scholarship will be used effectively. Members of the Committee are college educators who serve voluntarily. They are not Trustees of the Foundation nor Finch College alumni. The successful recipient will be notified via email and will be required to submit an email letter of acceptance of the scholarship within one week of date of notification.
  • Application Materials/Process:
    Students must share:
    1. Date of entry to four-year college, Fall or Spring
    2. Upload an essay of less than 1,000 words, stating why they should receive the scholarship. This is the most important aspect of the application. Applicants should emphasize qualifications, academic achievements, turning points in their life, leadership and how courses taken will support their life goals.
    3. Current resume of study and work experience.
    4. College Transcript
    5. Any additional transcripts (from any other colleges attended)
    6. Proof of age over 22 (copy of driver’s license, birth certificate or official document.
    7. Proof of US Citizenship or US Permanent Green Card
    8. Two PDF letters of recommendation from faculty members attesting to the applicants work experience and academic achievements.
    9. Additional information may be required.

    Disclaimer: This information is subject to change without notice. Please visit the scholarship website for up-to-date information.

• Scholarships are available to students for associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees
• Members have access to $246 million in transfer scholarships offered by over 800 four-year colleges and universities across the country and around the world.
• Members have the opportunity to engage in leadership development and service activities that can significantly enhance their chances of securing scholarships, both within and outside of PTK.
• Spring 2024 Open Scholarship Applications:
  • ptk.org/scholarships – the Spring application closes May 15

https://www.finchcollege.org/scholarships The Finch College Alumni Foundation Trust Transferring Scholarship for community college women over age 22 closes May 1

• No matter your ultimate goal, PTK Edge™ gives you the edge you need to get ahead. These courses are free, online, self-paced, and offered exclusively to Phi Theta Kappa members.
  • Competitive Edge is all about professional development. It focuses on soft skills and career planning.
  • Employment Edge is designed to help you successfully enter the workforce.
  • Transfer Edge will prepare you to successfully transfer to a four-year college.
  • Research Edge teaches the principles of conducting scholarly research while introducing you to Honors in Action, PTK’s honors program.
  • Healthcare Edge prepares you to successfully transition from your academic program to a career in the healthcare field.
  • Leadership Development Studies. Through the study of great leaders portrayed in the humanities by writers, historians, TED Talk presenters, podcasters, and film-makers, students learn the passion, engagement, skill and philosophies of diverse leaders. The program facilitates the development of the student’s personal leadership philosophy through personal reflection
  • Request personalized letters of recommendation for job applications.

• PTK Connect.  Explore our specialized search tool designed to help you discover transfer-friendly four-year colleges and universities. Uncover the scholarships available to community college students, including exclusive opportunities reserved for PTK members. 
• Say goodbye to the complexities of transferring with our Transfer Edge online course, where you can receive expert guidance from admissions professionals.

Our Chapter is very involved on campus and in the community. Below is a sample of the organizations we have worked with over the years:

• Coastal Habitat for Humanity
• Oasis TLC
• Clara’s Closet
• Lunch Break
• JBJ Soul Kitchen
• MSPCA
• March of Dimes
• Campus Clean-Ups
• Beach Sweeps
• Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters
• Relay for Life

• Phi Theta Kappa Golden Key Membership Pin
• Phi Theta Kappa Membership Certificate
• Recognition during chapter induction ceremony
• Phi Theta Kappa Members may wear the Phi Theta Kappa gold stole and honor cords at Commencement
• Official Phi Theta Kappa seal placed on your college diploma
• Notation of membership on your college transcript
• Press release announcing your academic achievement
• Members may also find discounts for Dell and Lenovo, Enterprise and National car rentals, GlobalFit, Hurst Review Services, BetterHelp and 
• StudyBuddy.Live

Applications for the 25-26 Chapter Officer Team are now open at <tinyurl.com/Officer-App-PTK>

• Vice President of Scholarship – Lance Bennette
• Vice President of Service – Sara Calvo
• Vice President of Finance – Brooke Sheroke
• Vice President of Wellness – Gianna D’Angelo
• Chair of Honors in Action – Ben Kuleshov
• Campus and Community Liaison – Anna Boiarchuk
• Vice President of Special Events –
• Vice President of Member Communications –
• Vice President of Leadership –
• Prof. Angela Saragusa, Advisor 

The All-USA Academic Team recognizes high achieving college students who demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society.  Application for the program is by college nomination only.  Brookdale’s Nominees appear below: