About PTK (Part 1)

Phi Theta Kappa was established in 1918. The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize and encourage scholarship among associate degree students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa provides opportunities for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate to exchange ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.

In 1987, the first chapter in Europe was chartered in Munich, Germany, at the University of Maryland Munich campus. The first Canadian chapter was chartered in 1991, resulting in Phi Theta Kappa becoming the International Honor Society of the two-year college. The Society's first Asian chapter was chartered at the Minnesota State University campus in Akita, Japan in 1998. The Society's 1,000th chapter was chartered in 1992, and the Society's one-millionth member was inducted in 1993.