Phi Theta Kappa at CNM
Questions?
If you have questions about PTK, please email us at [email protected] or explore the official PTK website.
What is Phi Theta Kappa?
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is an international honor society for two-year colleges, recognizing students for academic excellence since 1918. Membership offers opportunities to build leadership and professional skills, apply for scholarships, explore career and transfer pathways, and connect with a lifelong network of peers and mentors.
The Alpha Upsilon Chi Chapter at CNM brings together high-achieving students dedicated to leadership, service, and academic success. Founded in 1991, the Chapter includes more than 9,700 members and alumni who have made a positive impact at CNM and in the Albuquerque community.
To join, you must receive an invitation from CNM's PTK Chapter, Alpha Upsilon Chi. We email invitations to eligible students on the fourth week of each semester. To be eligible for an invite to PTK, you need to:
- Declare a major in an associate degree program or certificate program
- Complete 12 or more credit hours at CNM in an associate degree program OR six or more hours in a certificate program
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
Membership requires a one-time fee of $85 and provides lifetime access to PTK resources.
PTK members gain access to exclusive scholarships, leadership development programs, career preparation tools, and networking opportunities with fellow scholars and professionals.
PTK also offers resources to help with college transfer, personal growth, and recognition for your academic achievements.
- Official PTK recognition: Membership pin, certificate, gold diploma seal, and recognition at CNM’s induction ceremony
- Graduation regalia: Option to purchase an official PTK stole and tassel to wear at commencement
- Scholarship opportunities: Over $37 million in transfer scholarships and more than $87 million in scholarships from Phi Theta Kappa, partner colleges, universities, and foundations
- Career and transfer advantages: Membership recognition that strengthens your resume, applications, and transfer portfolio
- Campus and community involvement: Opportunities to participate in CNM chapter events and service projects in Albuquerque
- Research and leadership development: Hands-on experience through Honors in Action projects focused on research and servant leadership
- Publication opportunities: Eligibility to submit work to Phi Theta Kappa’s national anthology, Nota Bene
- Global network: Connection to more than 2.5 million scholars on over 1,270 campuses worldwide
- Exclusive tools and resources, including:
- PTK Connect: A free career, transfer, and scholarship planning platform
- PTK Edge: Professional development courses in research, transfer readiness, and career skills
- Special discounts and offers from PTK corporate partners
Celebrating the Excellence of PTK at CNM
Catalyst International Convention
Each year, PTK students from CNM attend the PTK Catalyst international convention, which brings the PTK community together for three days of professional development, education, networking, and a celebration to recognize individual student and chapter achievements. The research, projects, and publications completed by students each year are highlighted, celebrating the best of the best.
CNM’s Alpha Upsilon Chi Chapter earned the following prestigious honors at the 2026 Catalyst International Convention:
- Most Distinguished Chapter: Ranked seventh among more than 1,200 chapters internationally
- Top 100 Chapter: Named among the world’s top 100 chapters for the second year in a row
- Distinguished Chapter of 2026 Award: Recognizing the top-performing chapters within the society
- Distinguished College Project Award: Recognizing the meaningful work students have done to strengthen the CNM community
- Distinguished Honors in Action Project Award: Bestowed upon students for their dedication to academic research leading to an impactful contribution to their communities
- Distinguished Chapter Team Award: Celebrating the strong collaboration and leadership among student members
PTK Student Spotlight: Jenna Davis
Jenna Davis graduated from CNM with multiple degrees and was able to pay for her education through multiple scholarships, including a prestigious scholarship sponsored by Coca-Cola and Phi Theta Kappa. Read more about how Jenna's membership with PTK helped her pursue her dreams.
CNM and Phi Theta Kappa were both enormously helpful, and the scholarship went a long way in helping me pay for school and other expenses. — Jenna Davis