Founders Medal Award

Purpose

The Phi Theta Kappa Founders Medal Award recognizes a graduating PTK member who has written the finest essay reflecting on the value of a community college education each year. This award is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa’s Board of Directors.

Award  $1,000 and Founder's medallion recognition.

Eligibility

• Must be a Phi Theta Kappa member participating in commencement in the Spring of 2025.
• May only submit a manuscript while enrolled in a two-year program or one-year certificate.
• PTK members and alumni currently seeking bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees, or those no longer attending college, are ineligible.
• No single entry may exceed 1,200 words.
• Plagiarized works will be disqualified, and the member’s chapter advisor and college president will be notified.

Previous Winners

2025: Ahnora Ozor, Prince Georges Community College, Maryland

2024: Tam Ho, Tarrant County College, Texas

2023: Maverick Yasuda, Waipahu High School Early College / Leeward Community College, Hawaii

2022: Kelly Givens, John Tyler Community College, Virginia and Inaugural recipient