Mississippi’s low-income community college students will be granted membership in an honor society that offers up to $37million in scholarships to four year colleges and universities. The Education Services Foundation, a non-profit organization, announced Tuesday that it will award a $50,000 grant for Phi Theta Kappa to help with their $85 membership fees. Membership in Phi Theta Kappa will allow them to apply for transfer scholarships at four-year colleges and universities throughout the state. According to Lynn Tincher-Ladner, Phi Theta Kappa CEO and President of Phi Theta Kappa, Mississippi is the only state that all public and private colleges offer transfer scholarships to community college students who are Phi Theta Kappa. Andrea Mayfield, President of the Community College Board, stated that students who are members have an 85 percent higher chance of finishing their degree than those who are not. Mayfield stated that the grant will have a “significant impact” because many state-eligible community college students are eligible for Pell Grants. Students must earn 12 credit hours, have a 3.5 GPA, and be eligible for the scholarship to Phi Theta Kappa membership. Tincher-Ladner stated that the selection of the 750 students will depend on their eligibility and the recommendations of the advisers at each campus community college. The average amount of transfer scholarships per student is $8,500. A scholarship that goes to a student at a community college could pay up to $8,000 for tuition to the University of Mississippi, while $17,000 could be awarded to a Millsaps College student. Jim McHale is the president and CEO at Education Services Foundation. “This grant supports us in our mission by helping high performing community college students complete associate degrees and transfer into a four-year college. It also helps provide these students with leadership skills for their college and career paths.” There are 34 chapters of Phi Theta Kappa on 15 community college campuses. The state has approximately 10,000 members. To support this important work, you can make a regular donation to the Spring Member Drive today. Our reporters give a human face to policy’s impact on everyday Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding their communities. To ensure that our work is aligned with the priorities and needs of all Mississippians, we are listening to you. Click the button below to let us know what you think.