Penn Valley offers many organizations and clubs to its students. Most have benefits that can help students during their time at PV and after transferring. One such group is Phi theta Kappa.

Phi Theta Kappa was started as an effort to recognize academic achievements of 2 year college students with the intentions of expanding the development of the leadership abilities and create closer ties with the community and school. The benefits of being a member include scholarships, lasting friendships, and Phi Theta Kappa looks great on a resume.

"Many of our students have received full tuition, renewable scholarships to four year schools all over the country,", said Deborah Craig-Claar, interim advisor to the Penn Valley Upsilon Chapter.

Despite future benefits of being a member, students can also look forward to enriching their lives with the opportunities to volunteer in the community as well as meet new people. "My experience with Phi Theta Kappa has been rewarding, exciting, challenging, new learning experiences, and fun,” said Jill Street, member of Phi Theta Kappa.

Becoming a member has several requirements: 12 credit hours need to be accumulated with a 3.5 or higher grade point average. Upon achieving these goals, students should receive an invitation from Dr. Franklin, President of Penn Valley. Upon joining, one becomes a member for life and will continue to receive the organization's benefits.

"We work very hard to make certain that every eligible student receives an invitation," said Craig-Claar on the subject of some students not getting invitations. "If there are any students who feel they meet the eligibility requirements and did not receive a letter, we urge them to contact myself or Phi Theta Kappa's new advisor, Michael Korklan."

Phi Theta Kappa also has its benefits for it's advisors. Craig-Claar is enthusiastic about working with students in Phi Theta Kappa, "Getting to work closely with so many bright, motivated, enthusiastic students. There is nothing more exciting than watching students start to achieve their dreams."

For a student that is serious about their academic career, joining Phi Theta Kappa is a simple economical decision; over 36 million dollars in scholarships are available members.

Students can contact Craig-Claar at: deborah.craig-claar@mcckc.edu, or Korklan at: michael.korklan@mcckc.edu .

Copyright 2008 Metropolitan Community College