Guistwhite Scholar Program
The purpose of this merit-based program is to enhance Phi Theta Kappa members' attainment of baccalaureate degrees. Additionally, this program serves to recognize the scholarly achievements of Phi Theta Kappa members through the Guistwhite Scholarship Program. The awards are named in honor of Dr. Jack Guistwhite and his wife, Margaret. Dr. Guistwhite developed the first transfer scholarship designated exclusively for Phi Theta Kappa members. Up to 20 qualifying students will receive scholarships of $5,000 each, for completion of baccalaureate degrees. To be eligible, a student must post a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA and transfer to a college or university upon completion of coursework at a community college. In addition, certain criteria will be required in order to maintain the scholarship (e.g. 3.0 GPA, no incomplete coursework, minimum enrollment of 6 credit hours, etc.) Details are below.
- 2011 applications coming soon
- Congratulations to the 2010 Guistwhite Scholars!
Visit the Phi Theta Kappa Enrollment Form to ensure that you have submitted your graduate/transfer date, major and other important information. Completing and updating the Enrollment Form will help ensure that you will be considered for scholarships and that you will have access to exclusive membership benefits.
Eligibility Criteria | Deadline | Program Awards | Contact Information |
Eligibility
To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:
- Applicant must be enrolled at community college through December 2009.
- Applicant must be an active member of Phi Theta Kappa.
- Applicant must be on track to earn a bachelor's degree. Students need to have a minimum of 45 semester (or 60 quarter) college-level credits completed at or transferred to a community college by December 31, 2009 and 53 semester college-level credits (or 79.5 quarter credits) by August 31, 2010. (Courses must be college-level. Developmental or remedial coursework, such as pre-algebra or basic writing, will be removed when determining number of credits as well as cumulative GPA.)
- Applicant must have a minimum of 30 semester college level credits (or 45 quarter credits) completed at a community college in the last 5 years (fall 2004-present).
- Applicant must hold a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in all college-level coursework completed in the last five years. GPA is evaluated at the point of application.
- The applicant should expect to transfer to a four-year institution in 2010. At the time of transfer to a regionally accredited four-year institution, the student must be admitted with junior-level status in his/her major program of study and be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours per semester.
- Must have a community college record free of suspension, probation or other serious disciplinary action. Nominee must not have a criminal record, and if a convicted felon, must have all conditions of sentencing, including probation, completed.
Altering the Guistwhite Scholar Program Application in any way, including spacing provided for responses, is grounds for disqualification. The application will not be accepted via e-mail or fax.
Deadline
All applications must be mailed or shipped to the indicated address. They must be received (and not postmarked) at Phi Theta Kappa headquarters by December 1, 2009, 5pm CST. Late applications will not be considered.
When mailing your application, it is recommended you use a service that gives you the ability to "track" your package to ensure that it has been delivered to Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters. Due to the high volume of applications received, Phi Theta Kappa staff will not be able to confirm receipt of your application.
Mail applications to:
Phi Theta Kappa, The Guistwhite Scholarships
1625 Eastover Dr.
Jackson, MS 39211
Program Awards
The Guistwhite Scholarship Program annually awards up to 20 Guistwhite Scholars with scholarships of $5,000 each based on scholastic achievement and participation in Phi Theta Kappa. The awards are disbursed in four equal payments of $1,250 per semester for full-time students. Awards for part-time students will be disbursed in payments of $625 per semester for Scholars taking 6-8 hours and $925 per semester for Scholars taking 9-11 hours. These amounts will be awarded until the total amount of the scholarship has been disbursed. Certain criteria will be required in order to maintain the scholarship (e.g. 3.0 GPA, no incomplete coursework, minimum enrollment of 6 credit hours, etc.)
Contact Information
For more information about the Guistwhite Scholarship Program, contact scholarship.programs@ptk.org or 601.987.5741.
