Montgomery County Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapters were recently named 2019 REACH Chapters in recognition of the increasing number of students who joined the international honor society in 2018.

MCCC’s two PTK chapters—Alpha Kappa Zeta, based at the Central Campus in Blue Bell, and Beta Tau Lambda, based at the West Campus in Pottstown—are among 578 chapters recognized as REACH (Recognizing Excellence in Acceptance and Completion with Honors) Chapters that are growing in the area of membership development. Last year, 323 MCCC students became members of PTK.

“The increase in membership means more of our students are excelling academically and reaching their goals,” said MCCC President Dr. Kevin Pollock. “I’m proud of our students and their achievements and of our talented faculty and the PTK advisors for their ongoing work and support.”

The co-advisors for Alpha Kappa Zeta are Dr. Catherine Parzynski and Dr. Cathy Hoult Shewring. The co-advisors for Beta Tau Lambda at West Campus are Dr. Monica Proffitt-Osborne and Victoria Vetro. Samuel Wallace also served as a co-advisor for Beta Tau Lambda in 2018.

PTK not only recognizes academic achievement, but it also provides opportunities for leadership development, community service, networking and soft skills development. Students who earn a 3.5 or higher grade point average and complete a minimum of 12 credits are eligible for PTK membership.

According to PTK’s website, 91 percent of Phi Theta Kappa members nationally will complete their associate’s degree and/or transfer to a four-year college. Additionally, more than 750 four-year colleges and universities have established approximately $37 million in transfer scholarships for Phi Theta Kappa members.

Both of MCCC’s PTK chapters have previously earned the distinction of PTK’s Five-Star status, the highest level of recognition, as well as the Middle States Gold and REACH awards. A chapter earns a Five-Star status based upon its participation in campus, local, regional and national activities and receives the Middle States Gold Award based upon its five-star status and participation in Middle States events. MCCC has hosted a PTK chapter since 1984.