The Engaged Honor Society

The civic engagement initiative of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is not a program, as chapters are not required to enroll or participate in particular events. Rather, it is a way of framing Phi Theta Kappa’s programs – an umbrella under which many Phi Theta Kappa programs fall. Civic Engagement-related programs include the International Service Program, Community College Readership Program, Relay for Life and the Case Study Challenge. Visit civicengagement.ptk.org/.

International Service Program

A broad program with a commitment to community service, the International Service Program is chosen every two years. The Society endorses the concept of service to the college and community as a scholarly responsibility. To concentrate the resources of Phi Theta Kappa’s membership most effectively, the Society selects an International Service Program to become the focus of service activities carried out by chapters and regions. The current program is Operation Green: Improving Our Communities, a partnership with Keep America Beautiful. Ideas for project implementation can be found in the 2008-10 International Service Program Guide available online at www.ptk.org/service.

Relay For Life

Through Phi Theta Kappa’s 2002-06 International Service Program, Conquering Cancer, chapters raised well over $1 million for the American Cancer Society. Phi Theta Kappa chapters have twice been recognized for being the top collegiate contributor to the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life®, an important fundraising and awareness component in the fight against cancer. Although the 2008-10 International Service Program – Operation Green: Improving Our Communities – is focused on the environment, chapters are encouraged to continue their support of Relay For Life as a civic engagement initiative. This overnight event celebrates survivorship and raises money for cancer research and support programs.

Community College Readership Program

The program promotes civic engagement and broadened awareness of current issues among community college students through newspaper readership. A 30% academic discount on daily delivery of newspapers is given to participating colleges. Funding varies widely among participants; some sources include college presidents, student government, student activities offices, academic deans, honors programs and local four-year universities. For more information, visit www.usatoday.com/educate/ptk.