Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society

Phi Theta Kappa’s Alpha Psi Sigma Chapter at Springfield Technical Community College is a nationally recognized community of scholars, leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Chartered on November 21, 1993, the chapter honors outstanding academic achievement while helping students develop the confidence, skills, and relationships to make a meaningful difference at STCC and beyond.

Chapter and Member Accolades

2026 Most Distinguished Chapter

In 2026, Alpha Psi Sigma was named Phi Theta Kappa’s Most Distinguished Chapter- the highest chapter honor awarded by Phi Theta Kappa. The chapter also earned recognition as a 2026 Distinguished Chapter and Top 100 Chapter, along with international awards for its College Project, Honors in Action Project, and Honors in Action Theme.

Second Place Nationally in the 2026 Community College Innovation Challenge

PTK members also extend their leadership and innovation beyond chapter activities. In June 2026, STCC students Sophia Landrau, Vincent Githiri, and Shahmeer Ali earned second place nationally in the Community College Innovation Challenge, sponsored by the American Association of Community Colleges in partnership with the U.S. National Science Foundation. Their project, HydroShield, is an affordable washing-machine filter designed to capture microplastic fibers before they enter waterways. STCC was one of only 12 finalists nationwide and the only Massachusetts community college selected for the final round.

The Four Hallmarks

• Scholarship: Pursue academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, research, and lifelong learning.
• Leadership: Build the courage and practical skills to guide teams, solve problems, and create opportunity for others.
• Service: Turn knowledge into action through projects that strengthen the college and the wider community.
• Fellowship: Belong to a supportive network of motivated students, alumni, faculty, and transfer partners.

Why Join Phi Theta Kappa?

Membership is both a recognition of what you have achieved and an invitation to what you can become. PTK members gain access to opportunities that can strengthen their education, transfer journey, career preparation, and professional network.

• Scholarship opportunities: Explore PTK competitive awards and more than $246 million in transfer scholarships offered by 800+ four-year colleges and universities.
• Transfer advantage: Use PTK Connect and transfer resources to identify colleges, scholarships, pathways, and institutions that value community college achievement.
• Leadership and career preparation: Develop communication, collaboration, leadership, and career-readiness skills through PTK EDGE programs and chapter experiences.
• National recognition: Add PTK membership to your résumé, scholarship applications, professional profiles, and transfer applications; eligible members may also receive transcript notation and wear PTK regalia at graduation.
• Community and belonging: Connect with ambitious peers and mentors who celebrate achievement while supporting one another’s growth.
• Real-world experience: Help design service initiatives, scholarly projects, campus programs, public presentations, and innovation challenges.

Membership Eligibility at STCC

Students are eligible for full membership when they:

• Have completed at least 12 earned college-level credits toward an STCC degree or certificate program.
• Have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Are currently enrolled at STCC in an eligible degree or certificate program.

Eligible students typically receive an invitation from Phi Theta Kappa early in the fall and spring semesters. Membership requires a one-time enrollment fee of $90. There is no mandatory coursework, and members may choose a level of participation that fits their goals and schedule.

Not Eligible Yet? You Still Belong.

Students working toward the credit-hour or GPA requirement may participate as provisional members. Attend meetings, volunteer, meet chapter leaders, and begin building your PTK experience while progressing toward full eligibility.

Activities and Projects

Alpha Psi Sigma is not simply a line on a résumé. It is a place to discover your strengths, contribute your ideas, and build work you will be proud to share. Members may:

• Participate in Honors in Action and the College Project.
• Volunteer at the annual induction ceremony, campus events, and community-service initiatives.
• Help organize fellowship activities, recognition programs, and outreach efforts.
• Attend regional conferences, international conventions, leadership training, and PTK EDGE programs.
• Serve as a chapter officer, project leader, researcher, presenter, writer, or mentor.
• Collaborate on student innovation projects such as HydroShield and other solutions to real-world challenges.

Your invitation recognizes your achievement. Your participation can transform your future—and your community.

Contact

Faculty Advisor: Reena Randhir, Ph.D.
Email: rrandhir@stcc.edu

Ready to begin? Accept your official PTK invitation or contact the advisor to learn about meetings, provisional membership, and upcoming opportunities.