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Are you a student with an associate degree who has big dreams but is facing financial barriers? The PTK Scholarship could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about the coveted PTK Scholarship.
From eligibility requirements to the application process, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a PTK member or considering joining, this scholarship is a gateway to opportunity, and we’ll show you how to make the most of it. So, without further ado, let’s get to it!
The PTK Scholarship: An Overview
College can be a financial maze, and sometimes these unexpected roadblocks can feel like they’re holding you back. That’s where this scholarship, also known as the Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholarship, comes in.
The PTK Scholarship is your lifeline to overcoming those unexpected financial hurdles on your path to earning your first college degree or certificate.
It was made possible through the generous collaboration of Rosemary and Lou Oberndorf, the PTK Foundation, and the 2011-2012 International Officers – Tameka Wilson, Danielle Swartz, Esteban Smith, Sarah Yates, and Jeremy Mathis.
The PTK Scholarship is there for you when you need it most; it’s designed to help you overcome unforeseen financial obstacles that might threaten your pursuit of that all-important degree.
We’re talking about the kind of support that can make the difference between you reaching your educational goals and you letting those obstacles hold you back.
On another note, PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) is an international honor society serving students enrolled in two- and community-based colleges. Membership in PTK is by invitation and is usually based on academic achievement. There are PTK branches at community colleges throughout the United States and abroad.
Program Benefits
Each year, up to 15 one-time PTK Scholarships of $1,000 each are awarded to deserving PTK members. This scholarship is more than financial assistance; it’s a lifesaver. It’s a recognition of your resilience and determination to overcome adversity.
Whether it’s to cover tuition, textbooks, or other critical expenses, this scholarship is here to ensure that nothing stands in the way of you achieving your educational goals. So if you’re a PTK member facing unforeseen obstacles, know that help is at hand. We’re here to guide you through the process.
The PTK Scholarship Requirements
To be eligible for this scholarship, you’ll need to meet the following program requirements:
- Enrollment in College-Level Courses: First, you must be currently enrolled in at least six semester credit hours (or nine quarter credit hours) of college-level coursework at the time you apply for the scholarship. This ensures that you are actively pursuing your education.
- PTK Membership: Second, you must also be a member in good standing with PTK to qualify. In fact, being an involved and active member is a crucial criterion.
- Minimum GPA: Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application. This demonstrates your commitment to academic excellence in all your college-level coursework.
- Expected Graduation: Your graduation date should be within 18 months of the date of your scholarship application.
- Financial Barrier: Specifically, you should have experienced an unforeseen financial barrier in the past six months. This could include catastrophic losses, natural disasters, the onset of a serious illness or injury, a change in dependency status, or a loss of income resulting in financial hardship.
- No Previous Degree: You should not have already received an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from any college or university. After all, the purpose of this scholarship is to support individuals who are working toward their first college degree.
- Minimum Credit Hours: Finally, you must have successfully completed a minimum of 45 semester credit hours (or the quarterly equivalent) at the college level.
If this sounds like you, you are one step closer to becoming a winner. Read on to find out how to correctly apply for the scholarship.
The PTK Scholarship Application
Ready to take the next step towards securing the PTK Scholarship? Here’s a clear guide for you:
- Membership Check: Before you begin, ensure you’re a PTK member. Enroll in a college with a PTK chapter, complete at least 12 hours of coursework toward an associate or bachelor’s degree, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5. If you meet these criteria, you’re good to go. If you’ve received an invitation and are ready to join, visit ptk.org/join.
- Create an Account: Head to scholarships.ptk.org and create your account.
- Eligibility Quiz: On the scholarship’s page, start the eligibility quiz. If you’re eligible, you’ll gain access to the application.
- Provide Information: Complete the application by providing required details, including personal information, hours completed at the time of application, college enrollment, current GPA, major, expected graduation time, and details of any unanticipated events in the last six months.
- Upload Documents: You’ll need to upload an unofficial transcript, proof of citizenship, and a letter of recommendation. If this is the first time you have asked for a letter of recommendation, read this guide to learn how to write a good scholarship letter of recommendation.
- Submit or Download: Once your application is complete, you can submit it or download a copy for your records.
The PTK Scholarship Deadline
This scholarship is open year-round, so you have plenty of time to prepare. But mark your calendars! Your window of opportunity closes on December 31, 2023. So start your application today and make sure it’s submitted by the end of the year!
Contact Details
If you have any questions or need assistance with your scholarship application, PTK is here to help. You can reach their friendly and knowledgeable staff through the following contact information:
- Email: Drop them a message at help@ptk.org, and they’ll get back to you promptly with the information you need.
- Phone: For more immediate support, give them a call at +1 (800) 946-9995. Their lines are open from Monday to Friday, between 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Central Time.
Official Website
The official PTK website, www.ptk.org, is your gateway to invaluable resources, scholarship information, and PTK updates. In a nutshell, it’s your one-stop hub for all things PTK. Explore more scholarships, connect with other scholars, and learn about future opportunities. It’s all here!
The PTK Scholarship: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is PTK Scholarship?
Also known as the Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholarship, it is a financial assistance program for PTK members. Its primary purpose is to help PTK members overcome unforeseen financial barriers that might otherwise prevent them from completing their first college degree or certificate.
The scholarship is awarded annually and provides up to 15 one-time scholarships of $1,000 each.
Who are PTK Scholarships available for?
PTK Scholarships are available for members of PTK who are pursuing their first college degree or certificate. These scholarships are designed to assist PTK members in overcoming unforeseen financial barriers that may hinder their degree completion.
Is PTK worth joining?
Yes, joining PTK is often worth it for community college students. Membership offers various benefits, including access to scholarships, leadership opportunities, academic recognition, and a supportive community. It can enhance your college experience and open doors to further educational and career opportunities.
Is PTK legit?
Yes, PTK is a legitimate and well-established international honor society for community college students.
In fact, it has a long history of recognizing academic excellence and promoting leadership and service. Additionally, PTK chapters are present in many reputable community colleges. Therefore, it is a recognized and respected organization.
