For Non-Members

Non-member scholarship opportunities through PTK

As a nonprofit leader among community colleges, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) administers several scholarship programs for all community college students, regardless of membership or eligibility status. Below are several competitive scholarships that do not require you to be a PTK member--but have other requirements that PTK membership may help you achieve.

* Eligible students completing a scholarship application will display for the college's consideration.

What do scholarship committees look for?

Scholarships often look beyond grades and consider a range of qualities and achievements. Here’s a breakdown of what many scholarship committees value in applicants:

  • Community Service

    Scholarships frequently reward students who demonstrate a commitment to their communities. Volunteering shows responsibility, empathy, and leadership, all of which are highly regarded.

  • Leadership Experience

    Whether it's a formal role in a student organization or leading a project, leadership experience indicates initiative, teamwork, and the ability to make an impact.

  • Extracurricular Involvement

    Participating in sports, arts, clubs, or other activities shows a well-rounded character and the ability to balance academics with other pursuits.

  • Career Goals and Ambition

    Some scholarships are geared towards specific career fields, so applicants who show a clear vision of their future career paths and ambitions often stand out.

  • Financial Need

    Many scholarships take financial need into account, especially if they are designed to assist students who might not otherwise be able to afford college.

  • Personal Background and Diversity

    Certain scholarships aim to support students from underrepresented backgrounds or unique life experiences, as these perspectives are valued for the diversity they bring to campuses.

  • Work Experience or Internships

    Work experience, including internships, shows practical skills, a strong work ethic, and dedication, especially if it aligns with career goals.

  • Essays and Personal Statements

    Scholarships often require essays in which students can share their personal stories, goals, and motivations. This is an opportunity for applicants to express their unique voices and stand out.

  • Recommendations and References

    Recommendations and references from teachers, advisors, or mentors provide insight into an applicant's character, work ethic, and accomplishments.

At PTK, we believe applying for scholarships is so much more than getting financial aid for college—it’s also a great warm-up for job applications. Both involve telling your story, showcasing your strengths, and explaining why you’re a perfect fit—just in different contexts. Scholarships help you practice crafting a compelling narrative about yourself, which is exactly what employers look for, too. You’re learning how to make your experiences and goals stand out on paper, and those same skills will boost your job applications down the line!

How can PTK membership help?

PTK’s chapter activities and programs give members a comprehensive platform to not only learn how to build a winning scholarship application, they provide students opportunities for community service, undergraduate research, teamwork, and leadership experience. Plus--our 3,000+ advisors spend a great deal of time writing recommendations and providing references. Here are just a few of the ways PTK help students win scholarships:

  • Getting Involved on Campus - Getting involved in service through Phi Theta Kappa isn’t just about giving back—it’s about personal growth too. By participating in service projects, you’ll develop valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, all while making real connections with your peers.
  • Leadership Opportunities - Taking on leadership roles in student organizations is a game-changer. It’s not just about the title; it’s about gaining real-world skills you can’t get from textbooks. At PTK we have opportunities to lead at the campus, regional, and international levels. Members get hands-on experience in managing teams, projects, and resources—skills that are essential for any career.
  • Undergraduate Research - PTK chapters conduct undergraduate research through the Honors in Action (HIA) program. HIA combines Honors Study Topic exploration, problem-solving, and action-oriented service to address real-world challenges in our communities. Members gain job-related experience while creating lasting impacts in their communities as they engage in HIA.
  • Transfer Edge - This is PTK’s most popular online course. It guides members through funding their education, researching transfer options, selecting suitable schools, submitting strong applications, and ensuring a smooth transition to university life. This curriculum also gives advice on writing essays and personal statements required for the most selective schools. See all the Edge courses Here
  • Expert Advice Webinars - Our “expert advice” sessions cover topics such as applying for scholarships, career development, transfer success, personal growth, and industry insights. Each year, we help thousands of members connect with transfer professionals through our information and break-out sessions.
  • PTK Connect - PTK Connect allows members to search and research transfer scholarships, colleges, and career pathways. We combine data from our college partners, and external sources like college websites and IPEDS with PTK’s Transfer Honor Roll to help students compare and lock in on important data points such as success rates, cost, credit transfer, and financial aid availability.
  • FAFSA Mentor - FASFA Mentor is PTK’s customized Artificial Intelligence (AI) application based on Open AI tech that provides real-time language and video—tuned to give students the best and most correct information for FAFSA completion.

Transfer Honor Roll

PTK's Transfer Honor Roll recognizes the top four-year colleges and universities that truly support community college transfer students. This list is a great place to start if you're looking for a school where you'll feel welcome, get solid financial aid, succeed, and have most—if not all—your transfer credits count toward your degree. Over 900 four-year schools compete for this recognition, which is based on key criteria:

  1. Campus friendliness and sense of belonging.
  2. Availability of need- and merit-based financial aid.
  3. Acceptance of transfer credits toward a four-year degree program.
  4. Recruitment experience and campus life for transfers.

And you don’t have to be a Phi Theta Kappa member to benefit from this resource. The Transfer Honor Roll is here for all students looking to transfer. Check it out and explore schools that go above and beyond to support transfer students like you!. Take me to the Transfer Honor Roll.

Other Programming for Non-Members

PTK offers a series of webinars (at least one a month) designed to support all students in their academic and professional journeys. These sessions cover a range of topics, including:

  • Scholarship Application Strategies: Gain insights into crafting compelling scholarship applications to enhance your chances of success.
  • Resume Building and Interview Preparation: Receive guidance on creating standout resumes and excelling in interviews, particularly beneficial for those entering the workforce.
  • Understanding PTK Membership: Learn about the benefits and opportunities that come with joining PTK.

These webinars are part of PTK's commitment to offering valuable resources to all students, regardless of membership status. To stay updated on upcoming sessions and register, visit PTK's official learn more page located here: Calendar of Non-Member Events