National Junior College Athletic Association Esports and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Form New Strategic Partnership

June 16, 2022

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – The National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE) and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) announce the formation of a new strategic partnership. PTK is a non-profit organization that provides opportunities and education to individuals in 2-year colleges while focusing on helping college students reach their full potential.

The parties seek to generate greater awareness by creating esports opportunities for college students through PTK and NJCAAE’s partnered online and community-based outreach programs and content.

Both organizations plan to work together by providing opportunities for students to engage in meaningful activities provided through NJCAAE and PTK. The activities will be focused on 2-year college recruitment, 2-year scholarship and institutional opportunities, and 2-year collegiate esports. Finally, the NJCAAE and PTK will work cooperatively to cultivate co-sponsorship activities and grants to promote participation and engagement.

Executive Director of the NJCAAE, Jeff White, states, “The NJCAAE is thrilled to partner with Phi Theta Kappa. PTK represents the very best in 2-year college academics and organizations.  The pride and enthusiasm students have for PTK is unrivaled and something we hope to bring to esports.”

“Esports offer a valuable form of community for college students, both in-person and virtually,” said Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO, Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “We’re proud to partner with NJCAEE to create new opportunities to cultivate creativity and promote engagement to our members.”

About the NJCAAE: NJCAA Esports (NJCAAE), the national governing body for two-year college esports in the United States, is proud to provide two-year college esports teams with governance, competition and official national championships. The governing body also provides guidance and positive development for two-year colleges to build and operate esports programs. Established in the Fall of 2019, the association continues to establish new partner relationships that assist in the growth of esports programs, add new titles for increased participation, and dedicate resources to the recruitment of new members.

The NJCAAE is committed to removing barriers to entry for all participants, including students and member institutions. Through the bring your own device and play from anywhere model, even campuses that are strictly online can offer an opportunity to engage their students for just $1,500. While student engagement is always a priority, it has perhaps never been more important than right now. No one disputes that an engaged student is a student that completes!

The association has experienced phenomenal growth. Beginning with only 12 teams, the following semesters grew to 28 teams (Spring ‘20), 69 teams (Fall ‘20), 81 teams (Spring ‘21) and a projection of 115 teams and 2,000+ student-athletes in the Fall of 2022. With the ultimate goal of providing a unique and engaging environment for student-athletes nationwide, the NJCAAE is where worlds of opportunity await. 

About PTK: Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 10 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

For NJCAAE:

Jeff White, Executive Director of Esports

jwhite@njcaa.org

(719) 590-9788