2024 November InMaricopa Magazine -

EDUCATION

Making a difference

in Maricopa and beyond CAC honor society supports students, global causes P HI THETA KAPPA AT CENTRAL Arizona College has undertaken significant initiatives to support students, the Pinal County community and broader global causes. Phi Theta Kappa is the official honor society of two-year community colleges and CAC’s chapter, the Alpha Theta Delta chapter, upholds the hallmarks of scholarship, leadership, fellowship and service. PTK has established a shoe drive fundraiser taking place through Nov. 27. One of the goals of the shoe drive is to help CAC students afford the membership fee for Phi Theta Kappa,

opportunities. These small businesses help sustain families by creating jobs in areas where employment opportunities are limited. The proceeds from the shoe sales fund basic needs like food, clothing and housing. “We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Dr. Sandy Rath, Phi Theta Kappa lead advisor. “We know that many people have extra shoes in their closets they could donate. By contributing, you’re not only helping high-achieving students — those with a GPA of 3.5 or higher — who cannot afford the membership fee that makes them eligible for transfer scholarships of $2,500 or more, but you’re also supporting families in developing nations by providing them with economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone.” In addition to the shoe drive, the PTK chapter at CAC regularly organizes service projects like blood drives in collaboration with Vitalant, food drives, adopt-a-family, giving trees, highway cleanups, clothing drives and resource awareness campaigns for CAC students. PTK members have also participated in Operation Gratitude, which sends care packages and letters of appreciation to service members and first responders. Additionally, every year, Phi Theta Kappa selects students from the district to represent Central Arizona College on the All-Arizona/All- USA Academic Team. Every Arizona student on any of the All-Arizona/All-USA Academic Teams is awarded a two-year scholarship to the student’s choice of one of our three state universities and is honored at a celebratory luncheon and media recognition. Five CAC awardees also receive a cash scholarship. PTK at CAC demonstrates a commitment to creating opportunities for students and positively impacting the lives of others, making them an invaluable part of our Pinal County community.

which can be a barrier for those unable to pay. Membership in PTK is beneficial, as it offers various opportunities, including scholarships to help students complete their associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The fundraiser collects gently worn, used and new shoes, with donation drop-off locations available at multiple CAC campuses, including the Maricopa Campus, 17945 N. Regent Drive. The collected shoes are sent to Funds2Orgs, which works with micro-enterprise partners in developing countries to provide economic

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