Finding Your Place with PTK: A Message to Dual-Enrollment Students 

November 3, 2025
Evoto

By 2025-2026 International President Lulu McGowan 

Imagine walking into a new campus—tall buildings, packed hallways, and unfamiliar faces everywhere. It’s exciting, but also overwhelming. Where do you fit in? 

As a dual-enrollment student, you already know what it means to push yourself. Balancing high school and college is no small feat. The good news? Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) makes it easier to find your place, your people, and your path forward. 

Why PTK Matters for Dual-Enrollment Students 

PTK isn’t just another line on your résumé (though that definitely helps). It’s a community that supports your goals and challenges you to grow. Here’s what you’ll find: 

  • Belonging: PTK is like a built-in college family. Advisors, officers, and members welcome you and want to see you succeed. 
  • Leadership Experience: Chapter, regional, and international officer roles give you hands-on leadership skills that make a real difference on scholarship and transfer applications. 
  • Scholarship Access: PTK makes it easy to know which scholarships you qualify for and gives you a head start in applying. 
  • Mentorship: Advisors and PTK leaders guide you through the challenges of dual enrollment, helping you build your future one step at a time. 
  • Recognition: Earn digital badges for PTK courses, serve as an officer, or lead a project—tangible ways to show your growth and achievements. 

How To Get Started 

Getting involved is simple: 

  • Get Involved – Attend meetings, connect with members, and dive into chapter activities. 
  • Accept Full Membership – Once you’re eligible, say yes and make it official. From there, step up—run for office, lead a project, or apply for scholarships. 

Expanding Your Circle of Belonging 

Being a dual-enrollment student can feel like living between two worlds—high school and college. PTK bridges that gap. It gives you a space where your ambition is matched by support and your goals are shared by peers who push you to keep going. 

So don’t let the big buildings or crowded halls intimidate you. Keep moving forward. Keep growing. And keep saying yes to the opportunities PTK puts in front of you. Because this isn’t just about today—it’s about the leader you’re becoming. 

Related Articles

Phi Theta Kappa Announces 2025 West Williamson Difference Maker Award Recipient

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) is proud to announce the recipient of the 2025 West Williamson Difference Maker Award, an honor celebrating staff members who embody a commitment to PTK’s members and mission, dedicated service, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others. The award is named in memory of West Williamson, a beloved…

Bennington College Offers Scholarship to PTK Transfer Students

Bennington College has created a new scholarship for PTK members transferring to their university. Previously, members were not eligible for the scholarship if they took a break between attending community college and transfer to NAU, but NAU has removed that stipulation from the eligibility criteria, which allows PTK members with breaks in enrollment to qualify…

The 411 on Scholarship Resumes: Turning Achievement into Opportunity

By Dakota McLaughlin, 2025-2026 International Vice President – Division III Can I be real with you? College costs way more than money. It eats up your time, your energy, and sometimes even your peace of mind. But what if I told you there’s a way to lighten that load?  As a community college student who has earned…